Water Witch
2.5 Star

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book. I liked Helen Keeley’s narration. She did a great job voicing the male and female characters, and did well with accent changes for each of the characters.

I was very intrigued by this book's description, but I struggled through most of its execution plan. I found it difficult to get invested in the search for the underground city or curse water witch from the beginning. Because most of Ari's so-called friends didn't care about her pain, nor seemed to give a damn about her. I returned the favor of not caring about them and their journey. This pulled me right out of fantasyland.

The telling of this story felt very spoon fed. I'd rather find the clues organically through foreshadowing, great world building, instead of being told. I did enjoy the ending, but I had to make myself finish this book, which destroys the fun of reading for me. Overall, this book didn't work for me. Everyone's mileage varies. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture Audio, for an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Water Witch is a wonderfully thrilling tale of adventure, danger, and a healthy dollop of angst-filled romance, all wrapped up in rich Breton lore.

We follow the brilliant Dr Ari Walker on a journey back to a place she had thought never to return to, and through a whole heap of grief and heartache. We meet her treasure-hunting brother, Jason, and his team of divers, as they search for evidence of a mythological city rumoured to have been lost beneath the sea. Along the way we gather additional interested parties; Madame du Lac, who has been financing the investigation, her handsome grandson Raphael, and Gwen, the local historian.

The story keeps a reasonable pace as the urgency to find the lost city seems to swell, and the risk to the main characters grows more and more pressing as we learn of a deadly curse that poses a threat to one of the main characters. I particularly enjoyed the way the magic elements of the mythology didn’t clash with the modern setting and technologies in the book. The characters had various levels of scepticism/acceptance, which felt very realistic for a contemporary story. Overall it kept my interest up throughout and was a thoroughly enjoyable story.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book and have to say that Helen Keeley’s narration was a perfect complement to the story. Her accent changes for Ari’s Irish lilt, and the various French characters really brought the story alive.

Well written modern day fantasy but I somehow could not get invested in the characters nor care what happens to any of them.

Main character was meant to be in pain after losing a fiance but I didn't feel like she was upset rather than being told she is upset, which oddly is not the same.

I like the twist in the love story which saved the spell of The Water Witch. But i didn't find much of it believable.

Ariadne Walker has never believed that the lost city, Ys exists. However there are things that that may prove that the myth's true, such as Rafael and his curse, finding a mask and etc. But can they find Ys and break the curse without losing their loved ones?

The Water Witch is a great book full of romance and mystery. I fell in love with all the legends and characters. Ari sometimes annoyed me, though in the end she found her strength and I adored it. I didn't expect that the story would get so much interesting. The narrator also did a great job, I couldn't stop listening. If you love a second-chance romance, the lost cities from myths and mystery, you will take great pleasure in reading this book.

How wonderful! I enjoyed every minute of The Water Witch, and this was in no small part due to the excellent narrator, Helen Keeley. She really did these characters justice.

The concept of a book based on actual legend, as this is (I checked, Ys is real, oh happy day!), especially a legend that is not well known (to me anyway, and I'm quite proficient at this sort of thing) is exciting beyond belief. Ari occasionally got on my nerves, stubborn and at times a little flighty, I adored Rafael, who wouldn't, and Nico has a special place in my heart, along with Jason, also a bit of a brat at times. Gwen intrigued me from the beginning and Mémé was everything a tale like this needs.

Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and Jessica Thorne for my ARC.

I receive this book from the publisher through netgalley.com I am voluntarily leaving this review.

I really got swept away in this story. I love mythology and the choice of names for the characters really brought you into that mythological world. Ariadne, who was so good at solving puzzles, now has the ultimate challenge of unraveling the what happened to her finance, and finding a solution to help save Rafael. Her brother Jason, named for the man who searched for the Golden Fleece is the leader of this expedition to find the City of Y's which is based on the lost city of Atlantis. Rafael's family name is Du Lac named after Lancelot Du Lac who was an adulterer like Rafaels father.

Throughout this book you get swept away by the myths and legends of Breton. Legends of betrayal and curses and ultimately forgiveness. Of what drives you and and what binds you. This is a beautifully written fantasy romance based on real legends. Its ethereal and atmospheric and the narrator was fantastic. This is definitely an author to keep an eye on.

4.5 stars.
The narrator for this book was amazing. Truly one of the best narrators I’ve ever listened to.
The story itself flowed really well and I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys fiction in general as it encompasses a few themes.
Overall a really enjoyable quick read and great premise

Are fairytales real? Is there any way to prove that they exist and can affect those living today? How far would you go to find out what happened to your loved one?

I was pleasantly surprised by this audio book. The beginning confused me as I did not realize it was a telling of the tale that would set the scene for the entire book. Once the content changed to the present everything fell into place. Add in a small romance storyline and this fantasy had it all.

The narration by Helen Keeley was perfectly paced. Never lagging or losing the listener.

I want to thank Netgalley, and Bookouture Audio for an advanced listening copy of this book.

Ari’s fiancée drowned near Brittany searching the Atlantic Ocean for the legendary lost city of Ys, a place that Ari doesn’t believe ever existed. When she is summoned back to Brittany by her brother who is continuing the search, Ari stumbles across a handsome stranger who believes the legends to be true. As she begins to find clues and artifacts that suggest the legend is indeed fact, she uncovers information regarding a curse that could threaten the lives of those she loves.

I enjoyed this work of magical realism overall. The author incorporated elements of archaeology, artifacts, legends, lore, and archival research into a fascinating story that maintained my interest throughout. The ending was a surprise for me and left me with some unanswered questions. I honestly would have rated the book higher, but the last couple of chapters just got…weird, unsatisfying, and made me wonder “why?”.

The characters were well written. I enjoyed Ari as a main character; she did have her flaws, but they were balanced well with strengths and made her feel well-rounded and realistic. While the secondary characters lacked some of her depth, they were well written and relatable overall, making an excellent cast of characters. I wouldn’t necessarily consider this work one of romance though – it was a very slow burn that picked up speed a little at the end, but the romance was not front and center.

The biggest thing I disliked about this work was that there were several instances where people just did things with no explanation of motive, which was very unsatisfying. Several of these things were plot points, so to have no reason provided for people acting this way other than to move the plot forward felt cheap. Also, the fantasy-aspect of the story didn’t meld very well with the rest of the work. It felt a little clunky and unbelievable, which was unfortunate. I wanted more details concerning the fantastical elements and its atmosphere to be included for it to fit together better and be more immersive.

This was a solid read that I enjoyed, but there were a few things that I didn’t personally prefer. I still recommend it to lovers of magical realism, treasure hunts, and very slow burn romance. My thanks to NetGalley and Bookoutoure Audio for allowing me to review this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a DRC and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This book was unexpected. The story started with a bit of lore: A magical island named Ys, the water witch, Dahut, her former lover and the right hand of death, Ankou, and a mask that would kill any man who was untrue to her about his feelings.

Then we're dropped back to earth and meet sibling archaeologists Ariadne (Ari) and Jason Walker. They're searching for proof of Ys, the last project of Ari's fiance, Simon, before he was found drowned in the treacherous waters off the coast of Brittany. Enter into the picture Raphael Du Lac, a very wealthy man with a vested interest in Ys since all male members of his family have drowned or in some way been killed by water before age 35 due to a curse from Dahut.

This turns into a story steeped in lore, mystery, and treasure hunting, which was wholly unexpected for me. There were parts that I wish were fleshed out more, particularly the last quarter of the book felt rushed to me and left some unanswered questions. However, I enjoyed the characters, particularly Ari and Jason's sibling dynamic. And at the end of the book, I was left with an enjoyable feeling (half my books get thrown against the wall, so this is very good).

Regarding the narration: I think the narrator did an excellent job. The voices and accents were particularly pleasant to the ear.

I really enjoyed this story, which followed a group of archaeologist/treasure hunters as they seek out the whereabouts of a city lost beneath the waves in France, but seem to be afflicted by the curse of the water witch that, in local legend, was linked to the sinking of the city beneath the waves. It was an entertaining adventure story with a touch of the supernatural, and also an engaging romance. The pace was good and the ending was not a disappointment. I liked it a lot. I also found the audiobook's narrator quite easy to listen to, and thought she did a good job of telling the story.

As the 5 stars will tell you, I immensely enjoyed this book. It was unique and otherworldly. I was swept up in it from the very first page.

Jessica Thorne's writing is beautiful, but this story was meant to be "heard." Do yourself a great favor and get this as an Audiobook. Helen Keeley takes this fantastic modern fairy tale to new heights with her performance. Her voice is velvet-hypnotic and serves this story well.

This was my first Jessica Thorne book and it will not be my last. She writes with a great deal of empathy and honesty and this creates characters that feel real. Her haunting setting of Brittany and the sea surrounding it come alive for the reader. You can tell a story works when it makes you feel nostalgia for a place you have never been. I wanted to stand where Ariadne Walker stood, breathe the air she so lovingly breathed, and taste the salt on the wind.

This magical book will love you and leave you wanting more.

Thank you to Jessica Thorne, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for the chance to read this book.

“Call it what you will, the groac’h, the mari-morgen, the water witch… If you cannot believe her, at least humour her. She has the sight, and the knowing, your great-aunt. The Walkers can help because they’re touched by loss as well.”

My thanks to Bookouture Audio for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook of ‘The Water Witch’ by Jessica Thorne. The audiobook is narrated by Helen Keeley.

I found this an enchanting romantic fantasy. Within it Thorne blends myth and legend with a contemporary love story.

Dr. Ariadne Walker is grieving the death of her fiancé Simon. Two years ago he drowned in the stormy Atlantic Ocean doing what he loved: searching for the lost underwater city of Ys. Local legend states that it was destroyed centuries ago when the princess of Ys became a water witch, cursing the name of the man who betrayed her. Yet Ari isn’t the kind to believe such fanciful tales.

Before his death Simon sent Ari a letter ending their relationship. She remains haunted by it though has told no one. Now she has returned to Brittany where her brother, Jason, is continuing with the search for the lost city.

On the beach she encounters the dishy Rafael in unusual circumstances. He is the great-nephew of Madame du Lac, whose foundation is funding Jason’s explorations. She believes that the legends are true and that their ancestor had been cursed by the water witch. As a result she feels that Rafael’s life is in danger.

The secret to breaking the curse is said to lie hidden in the lost city. When Ari finds a cryptic map and a golden mask of a woman’s face amongst Simon’s things, she is intrigued. Ari is herself an expert on marine archeology, which is how she initially met Simon. After his death she had turned her back on academia, though now with the urging of Madame du Lac, Jason, and Rafael she joins the team. The race for answers is on….

I appreciated that Thorne didn’t seek to rationalise the mythic and paranormal elements of her tale. Of course, there is Ari’s scepticism that provides a counterpoint to those characters who are more open to the unexplained.

I felt that the romantic elements of the novel were handled well, being part of the narrative yet not overwhelming other aspects. That Ari is coming to terms with her loss as well as struggling to understand Simon’s final communication is not brushed aside even with Rafael on the scene.

With respect to the audiobook, Helen Keeley is an experienced audiobook narrator. I have enjoyed her reading of a number of titles. Her voice is rich and melodious and a pleasure to listen to. I was also impressed with how well she handled the French pronunciations and regional accents, including Ari’s gentle Irish lilt.

Overall, I was very impressed by ‘The Water Witch’. I had previously enjoyed one of Jessica Thorne’s YA fantasy titles and was pleased that she had moved into writing for an older readership while continuing to capture the mythic and fantastical with skill and confidence. It was a memorable tale and I certainly plan on reading more of her work.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

There is something delightfully vintage about this story. Set on the wild Brittany coast this thrilling romance tells the story of the beautiful, talented but tragic Ariadne (Ari) Walker and her adventurer brother Jason as they dive to search for the legendary lost city of Ys. Ari has lost the love of her life to the turbulent Atlantic but now their quest brings her into contact with the fabulously wealthy but cursed family of Du Lac . The gorgeous eldest son Raphael and Ari share an immediate connection but he too is hiding a secret sorrow and fear. The men of the Du Lac family do not live past 35 and it is the sea that takes them.

This is a gripping, romantic tale, as modern archaeology entwines with supernatural forces older than anyone can imagine. It’s a terrific yarn, tightly written, with a great building pace. The imagery in particular is striking with the cliff tops and wild wild sea a constant backdrop.

The audiobook is skilfully read by Helen Keeley - who manages the French and Irish accents with Grace! It’s great fun and I finished it in a couple of days compelled to know what happens next!

The Water Witch told a story that felt like established folklore/mythology and I think this is why I do quickly fell in love with the story. The prologue sets us up with a story the characters are familiar with, so we understand the context when they give us the clues.
I loved that we, nor the characters, knew whether the legends were real. There was a sense of wonder to the archaeology and I wanted to be there, to see everything they were uncovering.
The curse added a sense of urgency to the story, as well as confusing what was real and what was not. The end provided the reader with some surprises I did not predict.

The Water Witch
by Jessica Thorne
a beautiful story that mixes the fairytales, and cross cultural exchanges in the French countryside. The mysterious history of Britany France where the cultures overlaid century after century. Each immigration of people from the Britons, to the French, leave their marks on the land. The Wealth of the country brought the land owners much profit, but many obligations. An archeological dig to find the mythos of the area finds a devastating secret. The family curse, and the witch are tied together.

The Du Lac family is a wealthy one, its lineage ancient, almost as much as the curse hanging over them. Every Du Lac man has died in his thirties, taken by the sea, cursed long ago by the princess of the underwater city of Ys.

Ari Walker does not believe in legends and she will not return to the site where her fiancé Simon drowned while searching for the underwater city. But her brother Jason has other ideas. Jason has continued their search, funded by none other than the Du Lac family, and might have found something. Now he needs Ari's help.

Back in Brittany (France), Ari meets Rafael du Lac, who swears the legends are true. And what is worse, he will soon turn 35 and they don't have much time left to break the curse and save him from his family's fate.

I love me a good tale about folklore, legend and ancient curses but I must say I found this story to have a slow start, however, once it picked up, I was swept right into it. Definitely recommend taking the audiobook route for this, the narration is fantastic!

That being said, the story was just ok. I wasn't a fan of the whole Lore situation near the end and, though the stakes were high, I didn't really care about the characters enough.

Drama, legend and romance. A beautiful tale of ancient French myths told in the present day, with many exciting mysteries, treachery and discoveries along the way.



The narrator is excellent and expressive and makes it easy to differentiate characters.

This was not for me. The premise sounded great, but the story was not great. I was so bored! I just didn't care. I wasn't impressed with the characters at all. I only finished because it's a review copy. The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because the narrator was ok. I thought she went a little overboard on the emotions at times given the book was so boring.

This book is a YA folklore book, following Ari and Rafael as they try to uncover the true tale of the Water Witch.

It's a mixture of the little mermaid and the lost city of Atlantis. It's a bit of archeology and a bit of fantasy.

This book's beginning and ending were stellar. Fantastic. I did get a bit lost and a bit bored in the middle, though. I loved that Ari was a strong female. Putting Rafael in his place for 'buying her'. I loved that she was torn about wanting to stay and figure it out, but also not wanting to get sucked back in. I loved the twist at the end that I didn't really see coming, but fit with the story. The end of the book.

The imagery in this book is stunning. The visuals Jessica Thorne creates are absolutely breathtaking. You can see in your mind the water, the caverns, the murky water, the mask, everything.

Thank you, to netgalley & Bookouture Audio
Thank you, Jessica Thorne for writing such a visually intriguing book.
Thank you, Helen Keeley for using your voice to bring these characters to life! you did such an amazing job!