Witchlanders by Lena Coakley - Book Review

Title: Witchlanders
Author: Lena Coakley

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Publication Date: 30th August 2011

Pages: 416

Format: E-book - PDF

Genre: YA/Fantasy

Source: ARC from Galley Grab




High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.
It’s all a fake.
At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?
But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must confront the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned—
Are about him. (Goodreads Synopsis)


I found the opening of this book a little slow, but by the time I was a few chapters in the story and characters had really grabbed me.
The story itself is a wonderful fantasy tale, set in a believable world. As the story progresses, we learn more of the history of the world as well as its laws and mythology.
Ryder and Falpian are an extremely likeable duo, both with their own quirks and manner. I thought the way they were gradually brought together worked well and the pacing overall was good.
There were plenty of twists that I didn't see coming and, when I reached the end, I wished there was more. I do hope a sequel is in store as I would love to find out what will happen next to the two boys as they journey over the border.