The Witch’s Boy
Are the sins of the fathers really visited upon the sons? And is there no way of breaking that cycle? Is evil doomed always to repeat itself, ruining everything good through its tainted seed?
These are not the questions young Oswy is asking himself when he is sold to the witch-Lord Sulien FitzGuimar – he’s too busy wondering ‘why me?!’ They are, however, the questions which plague Sulien himself. Locked in a struggle for freedom, sanity, the very survival of his soul, Sulien must daily battle not only angels and demons, but the core of evil in his own heart.
When the King’s vile sorcerer stages a coup, dragging ancient magic, the elves, and the royal court into his Empire-building plans, the woman he has set his sights on as a bride – timid, aspiring nun, Adela – sets out to find someone to oppose him. It’s just unfortunate that the only candidates are cowardly Oswy, Adela herself and Sulien – who, deep in his heart, wants to surrender and join in.
When the hope of redemption is balanced against the lure of revenge, which will prove stronger, flawed good or perfect evil?
Note: I’ve taken this book out of circulation because I’m currently in negotiations with Lethe Press to produce a new, better edition. The new edition should hopefully be available in the Autumn of 2009. Watch this space!
Gorgeous illustration of Sulien and Oswy in raven form done by Nellas at Nulla Dies Sine Linea. It belongs to her. Please do not copy in whole or in part.
Reviews
Witch’s Boy gets a great review from reader Christian Otto:
I just loved this book. I would have read it in one session, if there weren’t those stupid needs like eating and sleeping. This book definitely is a must-read.
If anyone is still unsure as where to categorize this book, even though it doesn’t fit easily into categories, I can offer my personal impression that for me it feels” like a mixture of Sara Monette’s Doctrine of Labyrinths and Lord of the Rings, while still having it’s own character. So I’m quite sure that anyone who liked those books, will also like The Witch’s Boy. But to everyone else I would also strongly recommend to give it a try.
