Review: A Sprinkle of Sorcery

A Sprinkle of Sorcery is the absolutely irresistible, and most welcome, return to the Poacher’s Pocket and the lives of the Widdershin sisters and their wonderfully crotchety, straight-talking, protective Granny.  This unforgettable, thrilling adventure captivated me just as much as my introduction to these incredible girls in the equally amazing A Pinch of Magic. 

Betty Widdershin discovers a pitiful, frightened young girl, who introduces herself as Willow, and who brings with her a will-o-the-wisp from the marshes. Despite being wary and scared herself, Betty is unable to resist helping someone in need, so aides Willow in hiding from those hunting her.  Betty’s decision leads to terrible consequences, and a deeply felt guilt, as her young sister Charlie goes missing.

Determined to find their young sister, Betty, her older sister Fliss, alongside Willow, leave The Poacher’s Pocket and find themselves venturing in search of the truth behind some old legends, aboard their trusty boat, as they seek out clues not only to save Charlie, but also to help Willow in her own determined mission to seek justice for a loved one. 

Their action-packed adventure leads them from a breath-taking encounter with pirates to a search for a hidden island … through periods of great danger and tension to heart-pounding revelations and towards new friendships.

The Widdershin sisters epitomise the heart-warming, strong bond of sisterhood.  I adored the genuine relationship between the girls:  full of warmth, honesty and love, their unbreakable bond giving them the strength to overcome fear, and show incredible fortitude, resilience and resourcefulness in the face of great peril.  Betty is kind-hearted, empathetic and determined, willing to make tough decisions and take risks.  Charlie is gregarious, irrepressible and fearless.  Fliss is charming and, although she can doubt herself, she shows herself to be just as courageous and ingenious as her sisters. 

A Sprinkle of Sorcery has absolutely everything I adore in a perfectly enthralling story which kept me turning the pages with bated breath, desperate not only to find out what happens, but also just because the Widdershin sisters captured my heart and I wanted to spend time with them.  I don’t know if that’s because I am one of three sisters, or because the closeness between the sisters is just so beautifully portrayed.  It doesn’t matter at all that they have their arguments and disagreements– what sisters don’t? – what really stands out is that they look out for each other and love each other sincerely and deeply. 

I am in awe of Michelle Harrison’s imagination and skill in writing this story:  hidden islands of legend, will-o-the-wisps in different guises, pirates, witches and a sprinkle of sorcery.  You absolutely must pick up this book:  it will transport you into an unforgettable, richly-drawn world filled with a superb cast of characters which is brimming with action that will have you on the edge-of-your-seat, desperate for more … be prepared to devour this masterpiece in one sitting! 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.