In the Spring of 1628 the Witchfinder of Wessex finds himself a witch to hang. As Bess Hawksmith watches her mother die on the hanging tree she knows she must honour her mothers wishes and go to the only man who can save her from the same fate. She has never liked Gideon Masters but he is now the only person left who can protect her and teach her about the Craft.

What Bess never realised is that she would end up running from Gideon for over three hundred years. Determined to get payment for teaching her what she knows and saving her life, Gideon hunts her and sometimes even finds her. Will she ever find a place where she will be safe? Can she keep the Craft alive for herself and use it to help others?

It is 2007 and Bess is finally feeling safe. Maybe the danger has passed and she can earn her modest living in peace for once. Bess even befriends a girl called Teagan in the village and starts to teach her the Craft but she suddenly feels she has let down her guard and knows she still has to confront Gideon at least one more time.

I came across this book totally by chance last week while visiting my family in the UK. I was in Borders and they announced a local author was in the store signing copies of her book about witches. Of course my ears perked up and I went in search of the book and author. Reading the back of the book I did have my doubts. I am not one for historicals but I still wanted to read the book and see what this fellow Welsh woman had written.

First I have to say that I absolutely loved the book. Before I go into details I have to also say that I doubt I would have ever come across this book if I hadn't of been in Borders that day and hope that my review will spread the word about this amazing story of a witch who has lived through so much and has so much to share.

The book starts in the present day and then moves on to 1628 and tells of the plague and Witchfinder. Then we have another look into the present only to be transported back in time again to the times of Jack the Ripper. Another look in the present results in another trip back in time but this time to Flanders field in the height of the war. Finally the reader is back in the present to hear the last few entries in the Elizabeth Anne Hawksmith's Book of Shadows. This sounds a little confusing but it was the perfect layout for this story.

The history in the book was well written with detailed and in depth descriptions of what Bess was experiencing. This extra effort made me feel like I was there with Bess and also made the historical part of this book extremely interesting. With such a wonderful lead character, a fascinating plot and such a descriptive writing style this had me hooked and I couldn't put it down.

Book of Shadows is obviously aimed at adult readers but I think young adult readers would also appreciate this. I will be recommending this book to alot of people I know and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next. Of course I would like to see a sequel to this story sometime or even meet up with Teagan again but in some ways I think the book is great how it ended.

In conclusion - buy this book. Definitely better than Cate Tiernan's witch books and an extremely impressive debut. If you can find a copy get it and enjoy it!

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