Witches of New York
Book - 2016
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Susan the Sketcher Sketches Ami McKay
On November 7, 2018 Halifax Public Libraries' volunteer artist, Susan the Sketcher, ventured to Central Library to capture an evening with Ami McKay on the Scotiabank Author's Stage. Learn more about Susan and her Library adventures at the bottom of this post. Ami McKay was visiting the Library to discuss her latest novel, Half Spent Was the Night: A Witches' Yuletide, the follow-up to her… (more)
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SPL_Brittany
Nov 14, 2016
Beloved and bestselling novelist Ami McKay returns with her most beguiling novel yet, luring us deep inside the lives of three remarkable young women navigating the glitz and grotesqueries of Gilded-Age New York by any means possible, including witchcraft...
Set in New York in the 1880s, the great obelisk, Cleopatra's Needle is slowly making its way through the city. While Egyptomania grips the city, three women, Eleanor, born into witchcraft and taught by her mother; Adelaide Thom ('Moth' from The Virgin Cure) a former sideshow fortune teller who's beginning to understand her true gifts; and Beatrice a young woman seeking her independence, have all experienced the unexplainable. Recognizing that they are stronger together, the three women form a partnership. Their tea shop caters to Manhattan's wealthy society women specializing in cures, palmistry and potions -- while carefully guarding the secrets of their clients. While helping Beatrice expand and understand her gifts, dark forces gather around them and they'll stop at nothing to drive the witches from their midst. Two hundred years after the trials at Salem, in a time when women were committed for merely speaking their minds, were any of them safe?
An atmospheric read, McKay creates a wonderful sense of New York City during this era, and brings all of her characters vividly to life in a clever tale of the power of love, friendship and witchery that will delight the minds of readers. An enjoyable read for fans of Paula Brackston.
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SCL_Leanne
Aug 29, 2017
"Respectable Lady Seeks Dependable Shop Girl. Those averse to magic need not apply."
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Add a CommentDifficult-to-put-down historic fiction with a focus on feminism and the occult.
If you liked 'Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell' and also like women's stories and literary fiction, you'll likely find much to enjoy within this fascinating novel by Indiana-born Ami McKay (who now lives and writes in Canada).
For those who fall in love with the characters, McKay has released a small sequel entitled 'Half Spent Was the Night: A Witches' Yuletide.'
New genre: science witches!
I was drawn right into the book from the first few pages, loving the settings and the characters. Then… It just slowed down. I went on vacation with it 2/3 completed...and barely touched it. That’s unusual for me.
I loved the descriptive writing on the characters and tea shop. The detail and emotions put into this book made me picture being there. Although the book was a little more ghosty than witchy than I expected I still thoroughly enjoyed it, almost as much as The Birth House!
This was a really good book with strong female characters and made me want to read her earlier books, the character of Moth is fascinating. Can't wait for the next one.
The reader is spellbound by this unconventional novel, which is not only a thrilling experience but a learning one as well : a well-documented historical background , a detailed social depiction of the living conditions of unmarried women at the time ( late 19th century ) and of course magical spells and recipes…! the quaint atmosphere of the times and the mystical characters of the story add to its seductiveness.
A perfect concoction for witchcraft lovers only, very entertaining and “enchanting”….
Though not my usual genre, and a bit slow at the beginning, I found I really enjoyed this book and the characters. The passions, potents, and nature of witchcraft at the time was interesting.i would definitely recommend, but keep an open mind, and just enjoy the writing,
4/5 stars.
I enjoyed this book very much and for me it ended too soon. It's for everyone who likes witches and ghosts and goblins.
Very slow first 100 pages, but things picked up after that. Probably enjoyable for those who are into witchcraft and things. The historical New York setting was a nice element.
A big disappointment after her other books. Really frothy!