| Title | : | Wax Wane: A Gathering of Witch Tales |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1944286039 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781944286033 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 436 |
| Publication | : | First published March 2, 2016 |
Includes stories by Stephanie Burgis, D.T. Neal, Lawrence Dagstine, Jo Wu, Jeff Parsons, Virginia M. Mohlere, Dara Marquardt, Coy Hall, J.T. Lawrence, Liam Hogan, Stephen Blake, Tiffany Morris, Megan Neumann, S.K. Gregory, Flynn Gray, Dave Dormer, Diana Corbitt, Joseph Rubas, Cynthia Ward, Jennifer Loring, Heddy Johannesen, Cooper O'Connor, Spinster Eskie, K.A. Hardway, Mike Penn, Kevin M. Folliard, Silas Green, Lori G. Petroff and Jonathan Cromack.
Wax Wane: A Gathering of Witch Tales Reviews
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I love a good story about witches.
Whether they're hunted and endangered as in "The First Witch" by Diana Corbitt or scheming against one another for the great prize of beauty, like in "How to Be Beautiful: A Witch's Guide" by Megan Neumann, there's something undeniable about the image of the witch in our collective psyche. She is terrible and powerful, she is not always entirely of this world.
This book is like a handful of crystals spread out across an altar; each blazing with its own color, occluded and full of occult symbolism. A few standouts bring in rich background mythology, like Mike Penn's invocation of "Baba Yaga" that draws on the arcane connections between witchcraft and childbirth, or the canny connection between witches and the spectres of Transylvania as Joseph Rubas writes in "The Witching Hour," or Spinster Eskie's "Little Red Witch," who is inspired by another little red someone. Others invent a wholly new mythology, placing winged witches on an island of whispering paper, dreamed up by Jo Wu in "Vial With Her Cure," or Tanya Bryan's "All Sales Final," in which a mother and daughter recall the itinerant witches of Joanne Harris' "Chocolat."
My favorite in "Wax and Wane" is Liam Hogan's "Miscellaneous, Spooky, Weird." It's a tantalizingly short vignette on emergency services utilized by witches, and it takes on such a cheeky tone as stand in sharp relief to the typical tales one reads of witches. An urban fantasy that nods its pointy-capped head in the direction of Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett, this story is like the the lone Dust Buster among the broomsticks; it does the same job but in a very different style.
The collection shines brighter in some moments than in others, but the effect of the whole is that of an assembled coven. Witches old and young, haggard and beautiful, face each other over a fire of stories and cast the spell witch tales always have. Their gathering is one you will want to attend. -
This is a set of 30 short stories involving witches. This would be a great book to pick up when you only have a couple of minutes to read and want to get something finished. For me I had a hard time with the stories being so short as I wanted more. That being said they are each unique and bring something a little different to the book.
A Circle of Nine - K.A. Hardway
Elizabeth is invited to join the Historical Society Women's Circle by Lettie Parsons and she is very curious to see who each of the women are.
She left Home Under A Cloud of Dragonflies - Lawrence Dagstine
Hannah is curious about her life and abilities after her mother chose being a vicar's wife over being a witch. But Aunt Giselle is willing to pay for Hannah to attend a very special school.
It's Always Summer in Daphne's Garden
Daphne spends her days weeding her garden but when a big black bird stops by, it seems more than interested in Daphne.
The First Witch - Diana Corbitt
Goodwife Alice Alstead is arrested for witchcraft in Haverhill Township and is on trial. She believes she's innocent but why are the townspeople wanting to prove her guilt?
Hopscotch - Cooper O'Connor
Kelsey Perkins, 13, is bumped into by Charlotte Charmaigne by accident but her freak out after really hurt Charlotte. When Kelsey takes something that belongs to Charlotte how will she react?
That Familiar Feeling - Stephen Blake
Sarah is in the process of becoming a witch and needs a familiar. Will an afternoon in the woods find her what she wants or will someone else find her instead?
How to Be Beautiful: A Witch's Guide - Megan Neumann
Edith, 14, always wanted to be a witch but was overlooked by her Grandma due to her more beautiful sister, Ruby, 12. When Edith tries her own spell will it work or have terrible consequences?
Till Death Us Do Part - S.K. Gregory
Aurelia Graves is awoken by Mary Whittaker who needs her help on getting her husband back. Will Aurelia be able to help her or will she attract unwanted attention?
Hour of The Owl - Kevin M. Folliard
When Wesley brings his new bride Ava home to meet his mom Jean the meeting doesn't go exactly as planned and Jean doesn't trust Ava at all.
The Hedge - Tiffany Morris
Rosemary has a spirit following her and is unsure if the spirit is bringing her good or bad luck.
Vial With Her Clue - Jo Wu
Ernest is having trouble evolving into the creature his mom is. But when he complains about her it brings the two of them much more trouble than he could have anticipated.
Roots - Flynn Gray
Alyssa Carlton is a witch and is asked by Constable Tim Watkins to help investigate some murders. In order to solve this one it will take more than Alyssa to work together to bring this creature down.
Night's Favored Child - Silas Green
Someone is causing trouble and it is up to Nim to find out who and why.
All Sales Final - Tanya Bryan
Audra and her daughter Lettie have come into the city to go to Not Just Toys! in a last desperate effort. Will they finally find what they need?
The Whispering Trees - D.T. Neal
In the town of Overwatch walls have been constructed by the Dragons to keep people out of their kingdom. But what happens if you are tired of your life being controlled?
Grey Magic - J.T. Lawrence
Sometimes being a witch is a difficult occupation to have, especially when there are so many types of magic.
The Robbery - Cynthia Ward
Sarah Martin just got back from vacation and her place was robbed. Luckily she placed a spell around her place but if only she can find out who robbed her and hopefully they will tell the truth.
Little Red Witch - Spinster Eskie
Miranda lives in the woods and know she must avoid the wolf that is attempting contact with her. Will she ever discover the truth on why she lives out there?
Baba Yaga - Mike Penn
Vassilisa has not had an easy life since her mother died but nothing prepares her for Baba Yaga.
The Heart of a River - Virginia M. Mohlere
Empress, a witch, just can't seem to die even though her body isn't what it used to be. As she begins to become one with the river will it help her or end her agony?
Miscellaneous, Spooky, Weird - Liam Hogan
Mavis Ethelwright is England's only official witch and definitely has her hands full but her latest call may end up rewarding her.
The Bone of Magic - Heddy Johannesen
Helga Brunhild has just stolen a bone from her dead husband in hopes of bringing herself some luck but it doesn't look like that's how it turned out.
Bruja - Jeff Parsons
John Ramos, 12 years old, is lost in California's Klamath National Forest when he finally finds a house but maybe he's better off lost in the forest.
Wasp Wing - Coy Hall
Dani is just trying to find a place to stay but being a witch it definitely isn't easy for her.
History Repeats - Jonathan Cromack
Dorothy Wallace is accused of befriending the Devil but proclaims her innocence. When Mrs.V.C. Wilovski offers Sydney McKinnon 50 pounds to watch her cat he thinks it's easy money but soon finds himself with more than he ever bargained for.
The Witching Hour - Joseph Rubas
Alexandru Anton has gone into Transylvania to investigate witchcraft and may be in more danger than he ever thought possible.
Shadows & Dolls - Dave Dormer
Moraya's parents and brothers are killed and she turns to dolls to help cope with the darkness that her feelings create.
A Quiver Full of Dirt - Dara Marquardt
Aunt Theresa uses tarot cards and crystal balls for her customers but does Lilly Tucket have powers of her own?
Judex Est Venturus - Jennifer Loring
Rebecca is accused of witchcraft but someone may be accusing her in order to save themselves.
Offerings - Stephanie Burgis
Someone is leaving offerings on her door but the question is who and why. Will the offerings be to her advantage? -
This is a set of 30 short stories involving witches. This would be a great book to pick up when you only have a couple of minutes to read and want to get something finished. For me I had a hard time with the stories being so short as I wanted more. That being said they are each unique and bring something a little different to the book.
A Circle of Nine - K.A. Hardway
Elizabeth is invited to join the Historical Society Women's Circle by Lettie Parsons and she is very curious to see who each of the women are.
She left Home Under A Cloud of Dragonflies - Lawrence Dagstine
Hannah is curious about her life and abilities after her mother chose being a vicar's wife over being a witch. But Aunt Giselle is willing to pay for Hannah to attend a very special school.
It's Always Summer in Daphne's Garden
Daphne spends her days weeding her garden but when a big black bird stops by, it seems more than interested in Daphne.
The First Witch - Diana Corbitt
Goodwife Alice Alstead is arrested for witchcraft in Haverhill Township and is on trial. She believes she's innocent but why are the townspeople wanting to prove her guilt?
Hopscotch - Cooper O'Connor
Kelsey Perkins, 13, is bumped into by Charlotte Charmaigne by accident but her freak out after really hurt Charlotte. When Kelsey takes something that belongs to Charlotte how will she react?
That Familiar Feeling - Stephen Blake
Sarah is in the process of becoming a witch and needs a familiar. Will an afternoon in the woods find her what she wants or will someone else find her instead?
How to Be Beautiful: A Witch's Guide - Megan Neumann
Edith, 14, always wanted to be a witch but was overlooked by her Grandma due to her more beautiful sister, Ruby, 12. When Edith tries her own spell will it work or have terrible consequences?
Till Death Us Do Part - S.K. Gregory
Aurelia Graves is awoken by Mary Whittaker who needs her help on getting her husband back. Will Aurelia be able to help her or will she attract unwanted attention?
Hour of The Owl - Kevin M. Folliard
When Wesley brings his new bride Ava home to meet his mom Jean the meeting doesn't go exactly as planned and Jean doesn't trust Ava at all.
The Hedge - Tiffany Morris
Rosemary has a spirit following her and is unsure if the spirit is bringing her good or bad luck.
Vial With Her Clue - Jo Wu
Ernest is having trouble evolving into the creature his mom is. But when he complains about her it brings the two of them much more trouble than he could have anticipated.
Roots - Flynn Gray
Alyssa Carlton is a witch and is asked by Constable Tim Watkins to help investigate some murders. In order to solve this one it will take more than Alyssa to work together to bring this creature down.
Night's Favored Child - Silas Green
Someone is causing trouble and it is up to Nim to find out who and why.
All Sales Final - Tanya Bryan
Audra and her daughter Lettie have come into the city to go to Not Just Toys! in a last desperate effort. Will they finally find what they need?
The Whispering Trees - D.T. Neal
In the town of Overwatch walls have been constructed by the Dragons to keep people out of their kingdom. But what happens if you are tired of your life being controlled?
Grey Magic - J.T. Lawrence
Sometimes being a witch is a difficult occupation to have, especially when there are so many types of magic.
The Robbery - Cynthia Ward
Sarah Martin just got back from vacation and her place was robbed. Luckily she placed a spell around her place but if only she can find out who robbed her and hopefully they will tell the truth.
Little Red Witch - Spinster Eskie
Miranda lives in the woods and know she must avoid the wolf that is attempting contact with her. Will she ever discover the truth on why she lives out there?
Baba Yaga - Mike Penn
Vassilisa has not had an easy life since her mother died but nothing prepares her for Baba Yaga.
The Heart of a River - Virginia M. Mohlere
Empress, a witch, just can't seem to die even though her body isn't what it used to be. As she begins to become one with the river will it help her or end her agony?
Miscellaneous, Spooky, Weird - Liam Hogan
Mavis Ethelwright is England's only official witch and definitely has her hands full but her latest call may end up rewarding her.
The Bone of Magic - Heddy Johannesen
Helga Brunhild has just stolen a bone from her dead husband in hopes of bringing herself some luck but it doesn't look like that's how it turned out.
Bruja - Jeff Parsons
John Ramos, 12 years old, is lost in California's Klamath National Forest when he finally finds a house but maybe he's better off lost in the forest.
Wasp Wing - Coy Hall
Dani is just trying to find a place to stay but being a witch it definitely isn't easy for her.
History Repeats - Jonathan Cromack
Dorothy Wallace is accused of befriending the Devil but proclaims her innocence. When Mrs.V.C. Wilovski offers Sydney McKinnon 50 pounds to watch her cat he thinks it's easy money but soon finds himself with more than he ever bargained for.
The Witching Hour - Joseph Rubas
Alexandru Anton has gone into Transylvania to investigate witchcraft and may be in more danger than he ever thought possible.
Shadows & Dolls - Dave Dormer
Moraya's parents and brothers are killed and she turns to dolls to help cope with the darkness that her feelings create.
A Quiver Full of Dirt - Dara Marquardt
Aunt Theresa uses tarot cards and crystal balls for her customers but does Lilly Tucket have powers of her own?
Judex Est Venturus - Jennifer Loring
Rebecca is accused of witchcraft but someone may be accusing her in order to save themselves.
Offerings - Stephanie Burgis
Someone is leaving offerings on her door but the question is who and why. Will the offerings be to her advantage? -
Each and every story , is a original one. In which they transfixed and sweep you away into different world of a witch. Jennifer Lorrings story is my favorite one in which she captures vividly the guilt and love of a priest to a woman , in whom dies for his sin. A woman who is envied and so will pay for love, for healing,in a time where the witch hunt is most alive.
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Pretty impressive that in this collection of 30 tales, almost every single one was very well written and some were downright fabulous! I'm a fan of Neil Gaiman and quire s few of these short stories are of a similar caliber. My personal favorites (listed in their order of appearance in the book): Petroff's "It's Always Summer in Daphne's Garden", Follard's "Hour of the Owl", Wu's "Vial With Her Cure", Penn's "Baba Yaga", Mohlere's "The Heart of a River", and Hogan's Miscellaneous, Spooky, Weird". Great variety, creativity, and read!
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Each and every story , is a original one. In which they transfixed and sweep you away into different world of a witch. Jennifer Lorrings story is my favorite one in which she captures vividly the guilt and love of a priest to a woman , in whom dies for his sin. A woman who is envied and so will pay for love, for healing,in a time where the witch hunt is most alive.
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3.5 stars
A good-looking, hefty book with an appealing theme, but presentation is marred by insufficient proofreading/copyediting.
The editors seem to enjoy stories with cliff-hangers or open endings, because there are many here. Unfortunately, I found most of those unsatisfying.
The gems are the refreshingly strange "Vial with her Cure" by Jo Wu and "Night's Favored Child" by Silas Green; the melancholic "Wasp Wing" by Coy Hall and "The Heart of a River" by Virginia M. Mohlere; the weird rural tale "A Quiver Full of Dirt" by Dara Marquardt; and the whimsical finale "Offerings" by Stephanie Burgis.
