Moll Dyer prays she can leave her troubles behind when she immigrates to the new world, but a paranormal threat grows, and soon follows her across the ocean to Maryland.Colonial life in the Old Line state was tough on both man and woman. Hunger, disease, Indian attacks, and drought tested the resolve of the settlers daily, but troubles for the Dyers included the threat of a succubus on a mission! … a mission! Will the demonic call initiated by her family prove too much to resist as she labors to rebuild her life in a distant land?
The legend of Moll Dyer originated in earliest colonial Maryland. Despite 300 years of civilization, and scientific reason, Moll’s name is still often heard there, especially around campfires late at night, or as a warning to misbehaving little people. Her spirit is often seen as a wisp of unnatural fog in the swampy woodlands near her homestead, with her half wolf companion at her side. This is her story.
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What stood out with this book was how well it was written. The characters immediately came to life, the world-building was fantastic, and the word choice was perfect for this historical novel. It didn’t have as much paranormal content as I had hoped, but it was still an exceptional read! I recommend this book for anyone who loves historical novels with a hint of romance and paranormal touches.
Excellent Historical Fiction with Some Paranormal Spice
Sister Witch is the story of perhaps Maryland’s most famous witch, Moll Dyer. The novel portrays her as a courageous and determined woman with opinions and beliefs far ahead of her time. I found myself cheering when she took an unpopular, progressive stand, but also cringing when she took another step toward what I knew to be her fate. Certainly, she had some unusual beliefs, such as in her ability to create love potions or protection spells. But they were harmless … at least until other people discovered she held those views. And when that happened, the woman became the target of suspicion and then, hatred. Over the course of the story, she was held accountable for everything from still births to season-long droughts.
The first two-thirds of the book is a chance to study the psychology of a unique individual and the sociology of a superstitious and sometimes violent society in which she lived. And lest I make the novel sound dry and academic, author Thompson makes you feel Moll’s determination and dedication to family as well as her isolation, pain, and finally, her tenuous grasp on reality. And while I’m no expert on language, the more formal wording of Moll’s speech and thoughts felt realistic to the time and I enjoyed listening to her. For example, while this observation is still made today, I appreciated the way she (via Thompson) phrased it. “Men are such poor custodians of the heart, its language is foreign to them.” It is historical fiction at its best.
In the last third or so of the book, the flavor shifts and the supernatural plays a much more prominent role. The ‘twist,’ if its possible to have one in a story so well-known is that in her need to secure a future for her family, she called upon dark powers. She no longer sought only protection from her enemies; she desired their downfall. And in the end, she had to pay the price for those wishes. Personally, I didn’t need this aspect of the book, but I fully understand why it was included. To write about the folk legend that is Moll Dyer without reference to the paranormal is to leave the story half told.
Overall, the book is excellent historical fiction, rich in the language, thoughts, and beliefs of the time and the life of one strong, courageous woman wronged by society. And if you like your historical fiction with a bit of paranormal spice, you’ll love Sister Witch.
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! Being a native Marylander, I was curious about this book. I’d never heard of the legend of Moll Dyer before, even though I’ve spent a lot of time in Southern Maryland my entire life. This story brings to life the story of a woman accused of witchcraft who lived in Leonardtown in the 17th century.
The author begins the story in Ireland, where Moll (nickname for Mary at the time) lived with her family and is forced to flee to America with her beloved uncle. After enduring a harrowing sea adventure, they set out to start their new life in the New World. But as it seems, this poor young woman can’t seem to escape hardship and curses beyond this world, even though she’s a loving and giving person. My heart ached for her tragic story.
Besides the stunningly beautiful story, I fell in love with this author’s exquisite writing, his descriptions, scene-setting, character development, and ebb and flow of sentences drew me into the story further. He certainly has a captivating way with words! I loved every bit of this story and am looking forward to the next in the series. I highly recommend for anyone who loves brilliant story-telling, magnificent writing, and just a bit of magic!
This is such a brilliant and remarkably well written novel. It gripped me in the beginning and didn’t let go until the end. It’s a beautifully crafted mixture of historical and paranormal fiction.
Moll Dyer is cast from her own home to avoid the shame of pregnancy. A journey to the American colonies proves many difficulties, including persecution as a witch. She carries the weight of her families dark past, dealing with demonic sources, along with surviving the hardships of building a farm and raising a child.
It addresses many issues of the time, adding onto the plot. Beautiful imagery and well plotted conflict invites you to see the world through Moll’s eyes. I highly recommend this!!!