*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Blurb: “I am a cat. But I am no ordinary cat. I am a witch’s familiar. I am also a woman, with a woman’s heart and a woman’s frailty.”
Nearly two hundred years have passed since Caitlyn was trapped by supernatural forces and black magic, and she has known many mistresses. This time, the witch she is enthralled to is Joan, wife of Llewelyn, Prince of Wales.
At first, this mistress appears no different to any of the others Caitlyn has served – until Llewelyn captures William de Braose, and Joan falls in love, risking everything, including Caitlyn, to fulfil her desire.
Caitlyn, meanwhile, has her own cross to bear in the form of the gallant and reckless Hugh of Pembroke…
Another Kind of Magic is the third book in the Caitlyn series, and whilst it mostly stands alone, I would recommend reading the books in series order to get the full story.
My initial disappointment here, in realising that this book would not pick up exactly where the previous instalment left off, was quickly overcome as I was once again carried away with my sympathy towards Caitlyn’s plight and my anxiety for her to succeed.
This book was by far my favourite of the three, as it offered the first glimmer of hope that Caitlyn might one day be free of her curse, and also introduced some fantastic side characters whose banter I thoroughly enjoyed whether they were helping Caitlyn or strangling her / knocking her out. Blod, Ifan, Hugh and Maude – I would happily read a full book about any one of them!
As usual Elizabeth Davies weaves historical fact through her fantasy fiction so skilfully that I had to turn to the notes at the end, and some research of my own, to separate the two. Except for the turning-into-a-cat bits, which I am fairly sure are Davies’ imagination!
This story brings a satisfying conclusion to Caitlyn’s story, but the epilogue leaves a door open to Cat and her ilk for further witchy exploits, perhaps in a more modern setting? I will definitely be keeping my eye on this author, and look forward to whatever she conjures next.
Once inside, I peered up at the door, checking it was still barred and locked as I had left it; it would not do to take chances. As expected, my chamber was empty. The small room, with its tiny slit of a window, was cold in winter and stifling in summer, but at least it was all mine. I shared with none of Joan’s women, for a good reason. Imagine their reaction if they saw me shudder, and blur, and change, going from woman to cat and back again? I did not fancy being burned at the stake, nor drowned for a witch.
Me the witch? Ha! The unfairness of it stung. If caught, I would stand accused of witchcraft and the real witch would walk free, however much I protested my innocence. Even if they believed my story, the Church would want to burn the devil out of me. Either way, a bonfire awaited.– Elizabeth Davies, Another Kind of Magic
Find more from Elizabeth Davies at her website here or follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Another Kind of Magic releases on Amazon today!
Head here for my review of Three Bloody Pieces (Caitlyn #1) and here for A Stain on the Soul (Caitlyn #2) and don’t forget to check out the other stops on this blog tour (see the poster below) for more reviews and other fantastic content!
Bookshine And Readbows 