Sar
ah Kelly fears a father’s sins are revisited upon the children.
Her sister believes different. Adopted by the Miamiak and raised in the wilderness, Rebecca shares no such concerns. For her, memories of their early life and of Hecate’s attack remain dim.
But history condemns those who neglect the past.
When a war party brings news of a neighboring tribe attacked for harboring white folk, they demand the Miamiak aid in avenging their fallen brothers. With rumors the culprits were held in sway to a fearless witch on the rampage, Rebecca must decide whether to guard those she holds dear or seek vengeance upon a forgotten shade of Salem.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having read the previous book in this series, I was somewhat thrown when I started this one, since I didn’t recognise the narrator in this book… which turned out to be the fact that it was a different narrator, which made more sense.
It was interesting to view Rebecca’s memories (or lack thereof) of the events of the previous book and how her views of the other characters had changed. I like the more chosen/adopted family, so I thought it was pretty cool how Rebecca viewed Priest as her father… though the rift between her and her sister made me sad. The previous book had ended on a more hopeful note, but this one showed that enough time had passed to make Sarah quite a tragic figure. In many ways, I could understand and empathise with how she felt… but I didn’t agree with the way she responded to things.
I was also intrigued by the contrast between Rebecca, who had embraced the tribe and life she and her sister lived, and Sarah, who refused to try and make the best of a situation. In many ways, I felt there were parts of this book that would make for good discussion for a reading group.
I would have liked to see more interactions between Rebecca and Priest. It was good to see how other people viewed their relationship (even though some of those views came across as wrong), but it would have been nice to see more of them actually interacting together. I also liked seeing Bishop in this book and how Rebecca viewed him in relation to her.
I felt it gave me an insight into Rebecca’s character and motivations to have the book written from her point of view. It was good to see her reasoning behind what she did and her motivations in her dealings with the other characters.
Since The Crucible is still fresh in my mind, I recognised a couple of the historical figures in this. There was quite a lot of action in this book from the start and there were parts of it that kept me tense throughout.
I would suggest reading Salem’s Vengeance first and then this book, but it could probably work as a standalone, even though there are events from the first book referenced here. There were some really sad parts in this, but a few hopeful notes, too. The book was well-written and entertaining, with interesting characters and a narrator unique to this particular book, at least in my opinion.
Purchase Links
About The Author
Aaron Galvin cut his chops writing stand-up comedy routines at age thirteen. His early works paid off years later when he co-wrote and executive produced the award-winning indie feature film, Wedding Bells & Shotgun Shells.
He is also an accomplished actor. Aaron has worked in everything from Hollywood blockbusters, (Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, and Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers), to starring in dozens of indie films and commercials.
Aaron is a native Hoosier, graduate of Ball State University, and a proud member of SCBWI. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife and daughter.
Learn more about Aaron and his books
Praise for the Vengeance Trilogy
Aaron Galvin has managed to breathe new life into this time era, and Salem’s Vengeance is a dark but eye opening look into a frightful time in history…This book brings facts to the witch hunts, and the greedy men who helped create them, showing a well researched and engaging novel that is entertaining and enlightening.
Salem’s Vengeance is beautifully written…If you enjoy YA fiction, or historical fiction, or straight-up horror, you’re going to like this. Danger, mysterious strangers, a touch of romance, thrilling action and gruesome supernatural-inspired horror all combine to make a fantastic read.
-The Bookie-Monster
Perfectly detailed and with new elements brought in to make you rethink what you knew…As the book goes on and you’re sucked into this world, you won’t stop until you have read the last page.
–Lovely Reads
Salem’s Vengeance by Aaron Galvin has lots of fear and suspense with lots of action and well-kept secrets. The characters and story line are so well written it is very easy to lose yourself in it. I recommend this book to all who have an interest in witchcraft and the Salem trials.
-Girl Who Reads
Another fantastic and amazing start of a trilogy for Aaron Galvin that will have you salivating and wanting more of the tale that is unfolding.
I actually felt as if I were there. Galvin did his research, that’s for sure.
Well worth a read, especially if you like intelligent horror stories.
The more I read, the more I had to continue.
Aaron Galvin will also be attending the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, from 18th-19th April, in case anyone is attending and would be interested in meeting him. He’ll be there both days, signing and selling his books, in Argue Plaza, booth #735, near the YA stage.
Ink of Blood 