Enter a world of beauty and darkness… I was intrigued by the beautiful cover image and the enigmatic tag line of Natasha Mostert‘s novel, Season of the Witch, when it arrived in my mailbox courtesy of Hendy Zucker from Penguin USA several months ago. That is, until I turned the book over. It wasn’t the completion of the tag line: Two sisters. A mysterious house. And a man searching for the truth. That sounded positively gothic, a niche of fiction I thoroughly enjoy. It was quotes like, “A mesmerizing blend of alchemy and sexuality. Prepare to be seduced.” and phrases like “fraught with eroticism” and “dangerous sex” that brought forth mental images of a witchy menage a trios that put me off the idea of diving right into this book. Strange, inner jacket comparisons with The Matrix, Interview with a Vampire, and The Historian did not evoke much confidence that this would be a book that I would ultimately enjoy.
Having just spent the last several hours hanging on every word of the last 200 pages of Season of the Witch, I have never been more happy to say, “Boy, was I ever wrong!” The old adage of “don’t judge a book by its cover”, or more accurately, “its cover blurbs”, held very true for my experience with Natasha Mostert’s gripping novel.
From the book jacket:
Gabriel Blackstone is a hacker, information thief, and skilled “remote viewer”–he makes an excellent living stealing other people’s secrets. When a former lover asks him to look into the disappearance of her stepson, Gabriel’s investigations lead him to Monk House, a rambing Victorian home where time seems to stand still. Gabriel becomes increasingly bewitched by the house, and by its owners…
Contrary to what the jacket blurbs would lead one to believe, this is not some sort of occultish erotic thriller. Oh it is a thriller all right, make no mistake, but the melodramatic overtones of “eroticism” and “sexuality” belie the fact that this is a straight up gothic thriller, set in modern times. Having had the experience I have just had with Season of the Witch, I can confirm that in one way the jacket blurbs got it right: “Prepare to be seduced” is a perfectly accurate warning, though possibly not in the way the sentiment was intended.
It is obvious from my opening quotes that I was trepidatious going into this book. It didn’t take long before I came to realize that what I had in my hands was much better than any initial expectations. I began reading in small doses, fitting in a few pages here and there as I had time over the weekend. Those few pages turned into larger doses and soon I was just that, seduced. Mostert’s writing, the way she pulls the reader in as Gabriel is slowly lured into the lives of the two mysterious M women, is artful in its seduction. And once you are woven into her web of words, there is no getting out. I hit a point early this evening, right around the halfway point of the novel, in which I realized that any activity I had planned for the night was due to be rescheduled. I was going to spend the remainder of my night with Gabriel.
Season of the Witch is a story about memory, it is a story filled with interesting symbolism. It is a story of romance and redemption, it is a tale of magic. The story builds up the tension so slowly, so deftly, that before you know it you find yourself in passages of the book that give you the same kind of nervous anxiety that you get when watching a suspense film, where the killer is sneaking up on the unsuspecting victim. You want to scream, “Look out behind you!” but instead you tear through the pages with a racing heart and hope for the best.
I was utterly captivated by this book. Natasha Mostert manages to lend a truly timeless feel to the scenes in Monk House that make you feel as if part of what you are reading is classic gothic fiction. Added to that is a great deal of historical reference to the practice of alchemy and to a number of real life practitioners that give the novel more depth than a standard thriller. I was so intrigued by the mention of one individual that I had to put the book down to visit the great info-dump of cyberspace, Wikipedia, to read more about said individual before I could continue with the story. Scattered throughout the story are diary entries by one of the mysterious M women that bestow an air of secrecy and apprehension. To top it all off Mostert writes intriguing characters that feel three dimensional.
It doesn’t happen often enough that I get so engrossed in a book that I have to stay up until the wee hours to finish it. Season of the Witch just happened to inspire a literary late night.
There is so much more to be said about this book, but perhaps the best thing I can say is this: Season of the Witch would be a perfect book to read for this year’s R.I.P. Challenge in September. But you should not wait until September to read this book. Go out and buy it now. Allow it to slowly but surely tantalize you with its marvelous language and thrilling story. Forget any preconceptions the cover blurbs or inset jacket description may conjure up in your mind. It is not that these descriptions lack accuracy, it is that this book is so much more than that. Enter a world of beauty and darkness… it is well worth the price of admission.
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As I mentioned previously, this book was a gift for review from Hendy Zuker at Penguin USA. I am very thankful for the opportunity, and it turned out to be a gift in more ways than one because of the immense enjoyment I received from reading it. Because of this, I am passing on that enjoyment to you. Anyone who comments on this post before the witching hour, midnight tonight (12:00 a.m. Thurs to be exact), and would like to be included in the drawing, simply let me know and your name will be included. I will announce the winner tomorrow.
Cool sounds like something just up my street. I will see if I can get hold of a copy at some point. I am trying to be good about not buying any new books but it’s not going very well (unless good means buying far too many…).
Sounds great, and I totally know what you mean about cover blurbs putting you off. Increasingly I try not to read them at all.
Sounds intriguing, would make a good addition to my RIP challenge stack I think (I’m gathering quite a few books for that…)
And yes, sometimes cover blurbs can be quite offputting.
Well I have never done a R.I.P. challenge before – but if his is an indication of the type of book that I can read for it, then I say – come on September!!!!!
I would have been put-off by the blurbs as well, but it sounds great!
well considering the SIZE of my stack–it may not be until the RIP challenge, but I am writing this title down. And yes, those blurbs would not have won any favors from me.
Hi Carl,
Thanks for letting me know about this book. The blurbs .. .ditto what everyone has said so far. Oddly enough your review makes me think of, Possession, by AS Byatt. I can’t think why. Then too alchemy is a long time interest of mine There is a new YA book out about Nicholas Flamel.
The challenge it goes not so well in these parts. It may be the apartment search is distracting me and the fact that one of my books turned out more diagmostic then I had thought so I sold it.
Perhaps a copy of this book (unfortunately sharing the same title as Halloween III -do not go and see it) would be a fun replacement 🙂 ***CV
I’d like to be included! (More books = spiffiness!)
I think I can see how that particular set of blurbs would be offputting. I remember my Laurell K. Hamilton experience all too well, and it’s made me suspicious of books that bear such comments proudly on their covers.
there’s nothing as nice as an unexpected gem!
a modern gothic novel is a rarity these days (or have i just not noticed them?). i’m definitely going to read this for the R.I.P. challenge!
i’m also quite proud because (like myself) she is south african.
If you haven’t read The Thirteenth Tale, JP, it too is a modern gothic (of sorts) and is very good.
What is interesting about these book blurbs are that one is from Kirkus and another from Booklist. I think, more than anything, it is one’s definition of ‘eroticism’ and ‘sexuality’ that will determine how appropriate these blurbs are in describing the actual story. Like I said, the story is seducing, and there is a sexual element to it, but it is a minor part of the overall story and I certainly wouldn’t consider this an erotic novel. Colleen’s books have more of a sexual element than this one does.
Natasha Mostert’s website (click on her name in the review) is great and shows both this cover and the UK cover for this book. I shared with her that it is rare that I like both US and UK covers equally, and I think both are fantastic.
I left a message for Ms. Mostert on her My Space site last night after finishing this review and she very sweetly responded almost immediately and had some really nice things to say about this site and the review. I share this not to brag but because my feelings are that authors who take the time to have that personal touch should be lauded from the rooftops. That extra kindness makes my enjoyment of her book, and desire for all of you to buy and read her book immediately, that much stronger.
And for the record, I love The Matrix and really want to read The Historian. My point about that was I felt the hodge-podge of things they were trying to compare this book to was a bit strange.
This sounds like a good read. I want in!
When authors are personable and show an interest in their readers, it makes me appreciate their books all the more. Very cool.
It sounds really good. Count me in! I’m already collecting a stack of books to read for the R.I.P. challenge!
This sounds great. I love getting so caught up in a book that time becomes unimportant. Ditto – book blurbs. I rarely read them, but more because I’m afraid they’ll give something away that I’d rather discover by reading the book itself. You seem to be getting more books to review on a spontaneous basis. Cool!
Oh goodie! This sounds great! I love the old gothic tales, so I’m pretty sure a modern one would be right up my alley! You can throw my name into the hat!!
I just got an ARC from Harper Collins that looks fantastic. It’s called Crooked Little Vein by Warren Ellis. I try not to read the “blurbs” too often, but this short little book looks intriguing. It says, “Full of mind-bending style and packed with a wild cast of characters, Crooked Little Vein infuses Robert B. Parker with Kurt Vonnegut and the madness of the graphic novel world. A surprisingly surreal treat, it will appeal to hardcore comic fans, mystery afficionados, and all readers looking for a riotous summer adventure”. Ok…how can something like that be bad?? I think I’m going to read it this weekend. Then I’ll probably give it away too!
I always jump at the chance for more books. I’ve seen this book around and been very curious. I even exchanged a few nice messages with the author at myspace a while back.
Nice review
Great review Carl! I picked this up recently after reading a couple of glowing reviews and loving the cover (UK version). You’re making me want to read it. Right. Now!
Funny about the blurbs. The UK one has only one: “Compelling. Original. A mesmerising blend of alchemy and sexuality. Prepare to be seduced by it.” -Mo Hayder
Definitely add my name to the drawing.
I first heard about this book via AuthorBuzz.com–the offer there was to be entered in a drawing for a copy of the book *if* you could solve several puzzles. I was doing fine until the last one (maybe I shouldn’t have attempted it at 2 in the morning), but did not score high enough to qualify. Did you get to see that when you visited the author’s site?
Anyway, I’d love to put my name in the hat for the drawing. Hope to get my reviews for the last two books for the challenge up today. Will be reading MND on Thursday evening, after I’ve returned home from my canon book group.
I started Midsummer Night’s Dream today myself, hoping to finish it before tomorrow night.
I noticed on her site that she had a game that could be played but I haven’t taken the time to do it. It is a cool idea. Anything that can be done to help authors promote their books is a good thing.
I’ve seen this book popping up in my Amazon recommendations. I love the cover. And to know you liked it so much makes me want to read it even more.
I started Midsummer Night’s Dream this past weekend. I only read the introduction, I haven’t started the actual play. I guess I better get a move on!
That book sounds amazing! Include my name, please 🙂
Don’t you love it when you get a nice little surprise like that? I’m reading The Book of Lost Things right now and I’m feeling that way about this book. I knew this one was good before I started it, but it’s even better than I thought it would be! Reminds me alot of Pan’s Labyrinth so far actually!
Anyways, Season of the Witch sounds great! I’d love to read it. Adding it to the RIP list. How long does that challenge last? I’m starting to get a pretty long list, lol.
Great review Carl! Don’t enter me in the contest – I’ve got a copy of it too. I’m in the middle of a couple of other books right now but can’t wait to start it. It’s high up on the TBR stack.
Great review! I need to take the time to review as well as you do! I’d love the opportunity to win the book!
The R.I.P. Challenge is 2 months. It starts September 1st and ends on All Hallow’s Eve. I’ve got quite the list as well, one big enough that I know beyond a doubt that I won’t get all of them read for that challenge!
Thanks Carrie…it is easy to write a review like this one while still giddy with excitement after closing the last page of a really good book!
Look forward to hearing your thoughts on it when you get to it, Iliana.
I have been wondering about this book. The cover is cool. I was in line for a library copy, but then I took my away as I just wasn’t sure (and am trying to not go crazy with too many library books–especially the iffy-sounding ones), but you make this sound very tempting. Can you add my name to your drawing? Thanks for the review!
I love the cover but also was put off by the cover blurbs so I was glad to hear you really enjoyed it.
Chris – I can’t wait to read your review of the Book of Lost Things. I’ve considered that one several times but hadn’t picked it up. That is the one with by John Connelly I think. It has a blue cover with a lot of silver lettering on it I believe.
Stephanie – I’m so jealous. I’m a huge Warren Ellis fan. His Planetary comic is one of my fav’s. I will be looking forward to your review.
That’s the one Jeff! It’s really a great book. I suggest you pick it up 😉 I’m guessing I should have a review up by tomorrow night at this pace!
I make it a practice not to read cover blurbs for that reason. My standard judge of a book is to flip to a few random pages and read the first paragraph.
Lovely review Carl, I also notice it’s much easier to write them if you buckle down and do it directly after you finish the book and you’re still in the “mood” that reading it created.
Chris – Great. I look forward to reading your review.
First dovegreyreader now you, I guess I’ll have to buy it now. It’s funny how I read blog posts about this book (two so far) and it gets me excited, then I check the book’s amazon/chapters page and read those Matrix/Historian comparisons and want to run, run, run in the immediate direction.
Huh! Wonder what demographic they publicists were trying to reach with those two blurbs *together*.
speaking of the RIP challenge, will you announce the rules and stuff in advance. i ask because my wife would like to take part but she’s a very slow reader (actually, she’s a very fast reader, but doesn’t often have time to read) and we would like to get the books before the challenge starts so that she has as much time as possible to read them…
Sure, JP. I will do that.
I’ve been interested in reading the book for a little while now, just from seeing the cover in BAM. Now that I’ve heard such good things I’ll definitely have to get my hands on it!
I loved this one. I agree about the blurbs but once you start it, it is very hard to put down. I even went out and picked up a few of her earlier novels that I haven’t had a chance to get into yet. But I’m hoping they are just as good as this one.
I’m glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. I look forward to doing an interview with her during the R.I.P. Challenge in Sept/Oct.
love the book..season of the witch is very captivating
I’ve read this book, and I must say I was completely engrossed. I loved it. But I have one remark: Other reviews say Season is an “erotic thriller”, but I wouldn’t relly say it’s erotic. I could sense the sexual tension, but even the sex scene wasn’t explicit. Would you also rate it as “erotic” or more like “sexual tension”?
I completely agree Helikaon, I thought that was really bad cover copy. Not sure what audience they were hoping they would capture that way, but for me those quotes would have kept me from reading the book at all had I not gotten a free review copy. To me the erotic statements cheapen the book which is a shame because it is a really great story.