the witch's waltz
the witch's waltz is a dark fantasy novel written by Spanish author Belén Martínez. The work was published by the Puck publishing house in 2021. To date, the book enjoys positive and mixed reviews. Some bloggers praise Martinez's investigative skills, and her particular way of weaving together a fresh story set in the Victorian era.
Belén Martínez presents a tale of witches that, at first, can easily be confused with works such as Harry Potter. However, the darkness that invades the universe of The Witch's Waltz it is, at least, more bloody than the one that is read in the saga of the English magician. In short, this is a narrative full of summons, demons and blood.
Synopsis from The Waltz of the Witch
the first pages
Twenty-seven years before the present, Aleister Vale recounts the events that occurred at the Covenant Magic Academy. There, those known as "Black Bloods" learn about the arts to which they were born, and to which "Red Bloods" have no access. The latter are people without magical ability: mere mortals. The story culminates shortly, and gives way to the present where Eliza Kyteler lives.
Raising the dead brings consequences
The year is 1895, and the London night follows Eliza Kyteler and her cousin, Kate Saint Germain. Both young Black Bloods are students at the Covenant Academy, though they won't be for long. Eliza and Kate suppose it would be a lot of fun to revive all the dead in Little Hill Cemetery., which entails not only his final expulsion, but a life beyond magic.
This is where everything like ends JK Rowling's novels —unless you take magical duels into account, which are quite similar. Hereinafter, Eliza Kyteler's only option is to make her debut in society in order to find the right husband., because her future as a witch and the blood of her parents has been relegated to the simple task of a wife. However, the idea of this imposed role does not please the protagonist at all.
Of sinuous dances and latent sunrises
It is then that Eliza is immersed in a world of luxurious balls, flowing dresses and the gossip of London society. Meanwhile, a terrible threat slips under the feet of the unsuspecting Black Bloods. Twenty-seven years have passed since the brutal murder of the prodigious Marcus Kyteler and Sybil Saint Germain, who were also Eliza's parents.
How to honor the murderer, a savage wave of banished Black Blood deaths takes place, and each one is more terrible than the last. People begin to wonder who is responsible for the new horror, as the imminent danger grows. This time, both worlds are at risk; both magical and mortal blood could face tragedy.
About Eliza Kyteler
Eliza Kyteler is the protagonist of the witch's waltz. When she was a child, long before her magical ability emerged, she dreamed of being a person without magic, a Red Blood. But this calm and longed for perspective changed after the murder of his parents at the hands of Aleister Vale, one of the oldest and greatest friends of the deceased parents. Since then, Eliza had to live with her uncles, Horace and Hester Saint Germain.
In addition, his cousins Kate and Liroy also live in that house, with whom he shares a deep friendship. In addition, there is someone else whono matter the danger always accompanies Eliza. It is an element that every witch story needs: a sarcastic demon-turned-cat named Thirteen. This character serves as comic relief, and is the faithful sentinel of the protagonist.
a familiar shadow
People confined to a life without magic, those who were expelled for having committed acts that endangered the secret of the magical world, are the first to be found dead in the most scandalous way. All the Black Bloods feel terrified, but the most fearful of them turns out to be the protagonist, because many tell her that the witch killer could be the same person who killed her parents.
That is how Eliza Kyteler embarks on a dangerous and ill-advised adventure to try to find out who is after the Black Bloods. and because. Her journey seems increasingly dark, and an unusual addition to her group of friends tends to get her into more trouble at the wrong times. It is about a young Hungarian nobleman named Andrei Báthory, who is also a Red Blood.
A successful setting
One of the particular charms of the witch's waltz It is the universe where the action takes place. Belén Martínez recreates the Victorian era with great precision. If we put aside the fantastic theme, it is possible to find real streets, buildings and neighborhoods of that London. Likewise, the author makes some of those in charge of the famous case of multiple murderer Jack the Ripper participate in her work as investigators.
At the same time, the novel's magic system is simple, but works effectively to convey an arcane atmosphere, the one that moves based on the blood of sorcerers. Similarly, in the witch's waltz demons and sacrifices inhabit, as well as ancient fears, secrets and light romances that never take away from the mysteries.
About the author, Belén Martínez
Belén Martínez
Belén Martínez Sánchez was born in 1990, in Cádiz, Spain. She graduated in nursing. While she is a birth attendant, she combines this work with her passion for letters. Regarding the literary universe, the author has dedicated herself to the creation of children's and youth stories. At the same time, Belén has studied Spanish Literature and Language.
Throughout her writing career, Belén Martínez has published titles such as Lilim 2.10.2003 (2012), a work that was awarded the Darkiss Prize, plus to the last star (2017) a summer sonata (2018) When we rewrite history (2019) and after the ocean (2022). after posting the witch's waltz, the author pointed out that this work would be a bilogy.