The Witchery: The Book of Shadows

"The Witchery" is essential reading for those who have read James Reese's first two books in the witchy "Herculine" series. We learn much of the history of Cuba, specifically Havana, obviously a fabulous city in the early 1800's, and the history of the settlement of the Florida Keys. Reese does have a habit of digressing, as we have seen in his first two books in this trilogy, but this third book is his most tightly written to date. Only in the last pages does he provide us with perhaps more than we need to know about the rules governing private "wreckers," those who sent ships to recover the contents of the many wrecked ships in the narrows off the south Florida coast. However, anyone who wishes to know how this country was shaped is always going to be fascinated with the history Reese provides. A little education along with--let's face it--FUN reading,(this isn't Proust in the original French) never hurt anyone. Besides, Herculine fans will be fascinated meeting her new friends and family in the Keys, be reunited with Sebastian and Asmodei, and find out Herculine's fate. How could one NOT want to know how her story ends/continues? We also meet the horrid monk, Q. and discover his secrets, which are stupendous in scope. The imagery is vivid and lush, the plot well constructed. Do give this book the reading it deserves. You'll enjoy it.

Mr. Reese's third novel is a beautiful thrill ride of the senses. For those of us devoted fans of the tales of Herculine, "The Witchery" is what we have been waiting for, but don't be shy you "newbies" to Reese's enthralling tales! All of Reese's trademarks are there: the luscious prose, the exotic locales and the exquisitely researched history of his characters and places. I was swept away with the pace of the novel: from the high seas off Florida, to the simmering heat of Cuba's mysterious capital city, to the rum-soaked Florida Keys -- all cloaked in the supernatural elements that make "The Witchery" impossible to put down. This "witch" is a gem.