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I Let the Characters Lead Me
The Witch follows a young and powerful witch who has to hide her abilities while trying to help secure a future for her people. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from a writing prompt that gave me the idea for Harper. Once Harper Grim was created, the world formed around her, a world that she was going to have influence over.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
The emotional and moral guidelines that I followed come from my belief as a Christian. Being in the only monotheistic culture, Idrudelia has a fear of magic, but Harper proves that the gifts given to her are gifts that she uses for good. The moral guideline that Harper follows are that of using her gift for the benefit of those around her instead of a selfish gain as that of the evil power-rising Dark Sword.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
I wrote a plot that reaches over each of the stories while still having a separate plot for each book. With a rough outline, the direction and tone came organically as I was writing. I had the points that I was trying to get to, but I let the characters lead me to those points.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
This novel is the start of a series. There are three more installments of this story: The Tree, The Soldier, and The Stone. One book for each piece of the prophecy that the characters are fulfilling.
Author Links: GoodReads
The ban on magic has placed all those with the gift in peril, including those who only seek to help others. Harper Grim, a gifted healer in the city of Westfall in Idrudelia, must conceal her abilities to protect her people. But when an evil force emerges in the East, the king declares all magic to be wicked, including Harper’s efforts to save her country.
Shay Casper’s The Witch delves into the challenges of living in secrecy while holding onto hope for a better future for all those whom Harper holds dear.
The Witch
The Witch by Shay Casper is an enthralling and captivating fantasy-romance novel that takes readers on a spellbinding journey through a world oppressed by a nameless tyrant, where magical beings hide in fear and discrimination runs rampant. In the heart of this fantastical setting, we meet Harper and Juniper, two clandestine witches residing in a charming cottage near an enchanting forest. The story unfolds with a delightful Ghibli-esque charm as Harper and Juniper embrace their roles as esteemed healers in a small kingdom. At the same time, Benjamin and Kole become their cherished friends and compelling love interests. As the darkness looms over their realm, this tight-knit group embarks on a courageous quest to uplift their fellow citizens, challenge prejudice, and navigate the complexities of young love.
One of the many strengths of this book lies in its portrayal of Harper, who finds herself as the center of attention in town, experiencing both the flattering and challenging aspects of male admiration. This realistic depiction of her journey adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, and it is truly refreshing to witness Harper’s confidence without veering into arrogance. Juniper, too, shines as a loyal and steadfast friend, exemplifying the power of female camaraderie. Readers will undoubtedly relish the strong bonds forged between the characters and cheer them on as they transform their worldviews, stand up for their rights, and champion the cause of the oppressed.
There may be occasional shifts in perspective that require some attention, but these moments only heighten the intrigue and keep readers on their toes. Furthermore, the characters, who are otherwise sensible, occasionally make choices that may seem puzzling, but this adds a layer of complexity to their personalities and underscores their growth throughout the story. The book unfolds at a captivating pace, with each chapter unveiling new layers of the enchanting world Shay Casper has created. The romance, intricately intertwined with the overarching plot, adds a touch of allure and keeps readers engrossed in the characters’ emotional journeys. Despite minor hiccups, the story reaches a satisfying climax, delivering a fulfilling resolution that ties up loose ends while leaving room for future possibilities.
The Witch is a mesmerizing debut novel that will undoubtedly captivate readers. With its compelling narrative and compelling characters, this book is a delightful read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating future works from Shay Casper.
Pages: 225 | ASIN : B0CBCMR9WV
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