#witches steeped in gold
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witches steeped in gold, ciannon smart
released 2021
re-read: 12 january 2023 – 09 february 2023
i will say this was a slight improvement on my first read, but this book still suffers from long-windedness and boredom-inducing moments.
however, i did read this in preparation for reading the sequel, empress crowned in red, and i do still hope that it's an improvement on the first instalment even if the page count is rather worrying...
see my original review on goodreads.
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
#witches steeped in gold#ciannon smart#2023 reads#3 stars#fiction#fantasy#book review#booklr#bookblr
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witches steeped in gold duology
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🇯🇲 Jamaica
Region: Carribean
Witches Steeped in Gold
Author: Ciannon Smart
560 pages, published 2021
Original language: English
Native author? Yes
Age: Teen
Blurb:
Divided by their order. United by their vengeance.
Iraya has spent her life in a cell, but every day brings her closer to freedom--and vengeance.
Jazmyne is the Queen's daughter, but unlike her sister before her, she has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother's power.
Sworn enemies, these two witches enter a precarious alliance to take down a mutual threat. But power is intoxicating, revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain--except the lengths they will go to win this game.
Other reps:
Genres:#fantasy world #royalty #political
My thoughts:
This book looks badass. Another Jamaica book with an absolutely gorgeous cover is Hurricane Summer.
Review to come.
Bookshop.org link | Kindle link
#jamaica#ya world challenge#witches steeped in gold#ciannon smart#diverse fantasy#fantasy world#royalty#political#caribbean
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57. Witches Steeped in Gold, by Ciannon Smart
Owned: No, library
Page count: 533
My summary: All is not well in Aiyca. The doyenne, a woman who overtook the former rulers, takes the island in her bloody hand. Obeah witches are conscripted to work for the island, while the ruling Alumbrar keep a watchful eye on them. In this chaos stand Iraya Adair, lost daughter of the previous rulers who has grown up in a cell, and Jazmyne Cariot, daughter of the doyenne who wishes to take over from her mother. Their alliance is a reluctant one - and can prove deadly, both for them and all of Aiyca.
My rating: 2/5
I really wanted to like this book. It has a few superficial similarities to Children of Blood and Bone, a book I liked. It’s a YA book about fantasy and witches and hidden rebellions. And yet, I had a really tough time getting through this book. It took me about a week which, sure, it’s a longer book, but I’m a really fast reader so that’s still abnormal. Overall, I think there were the seeds of some great ideas underneath this book, but the presentation of it really put me off and the book never really picked up from that.
Our main characters are Jazmyne and Iraya, and of the two, Iraya’s the more traditional protagonist. Jazmyne is more of an anti-hero - yes, she’s against the tyrannical doyenne, but she’s still not willing to give the Obeah witches much more rights and still wants to murder Iraya. Meanwhile, Iraya herself is on a path of vengeance for her murdered and betrayed family. My main criticism with her was that she didn’t seem to be that active a protagonist - she did a lot, but it didn’t always feel like the things she did mattered. People did things around her, and she didn’t have a lot of agency.
My biggest problem with this book was that it felt like I was just getting a giant onslaught of information with no context. There’s quite a few different factions and allegiances without much exposition initially as to what they actually are, meaning I had to spend some time thinking ‘is this a magical society, an ethnic group, an organisation?’ every time one was mention. There’s just an onslaught of stuff - the plot is rushing forward from the first page, where it could have done with some more room to breathe. For example, when Iraya is introduced, she’s attempting to break out of prison with a friend, and ultimately failing. But the thing is, I wasn’t emotionally attached to her friend and that relationship, because this is the first we’re seeing of them. Spending a chapter setting up the status quo for these characters before we hit the inciting incidents would have given the me just that much room to internalise this world and these characters, without getting so utterly confused.
And this is a shame, because I like a lot of the worldbuilding going on here! Aiyca is a fantasy version of Jamaica, and draws on that island’s culture and history as well as new elements added by Smart. The same way that white English fantasy worlds are based on English mythology and folklore, but with new ideas from the author, you know. There’s such richness and texture to this world, from the different classes of magic-user, to the many faces of the god they worship, to the role of women in their society - it’s so cool, and when the story got going and I was more acclimatised to the world, I was really into the world of this book.
Next up, still witchy but with more short stories, as we dig into a surreal little collection.
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debating on dnfing Witches Steeped in Gold. I don't know it's fast paced, what is a plus to keep on, but at the other hand I don't care about the plot or the characters? I'm ilke 140 pages in and if I kept on I would rate it 3 stars anyway, i guess? This would be my next dnf right after Breast and Eggs. Is it because the books are around 500 pages long or is it really the plot/writing/characters?
Pls tell me when u dnf a book
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Yk when you go to the library and you get like. Such a good haul.
Anyways I went to the library today and now I have Raybearer, Witches Steeped In Gold, The Chain and Wilder Girls to read so I am Excited
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Review: Witches Steeped in Gold (#1) by Ciannon Smart
Review: Witches Steeped in Gold (#1) by Ciannon Smart
Goodreads | Waterstones
Iraya has spent her life in a cell, but every day brings her closer to freedom – and vengeance.Jazmyne is the Queen’s daughter, but unlike her sister before her, she has no intention of dying to strengthen her mother’s power.Sworn enemies, these two witches enter a precarious alliance to take down a mutual threat. But power is intoxicating, revenge is a bloody pursuit,…
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Empress Crowned in Red - Ciannon Smart (Witches Steeped in Gold #2)
The Doyenne is dead, and the throne is empty.
Iraya, her revenge taken and magic unfettered, turns her sights on a bigger goal: freeing Aiyca for the Obeah. But first she must shed the guise of the rogue warrior and become the Lost Empress her people need.
Jazmyne has crowned herself the doyenne and is prepared to go to extreme lengths—and court ruthless danger—to prove to her people she deserves the throne.
But there is more at stake than Jazmyne or Iraya know: a new threat is awakening on the other side of the island that could destroy everything they’ve been fighting for.
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Title: Witches Steeped in Gold | Author: Ciannon Smart | Publisher: HarperTeen (2021)
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Cloaked in golden stars, this witch is enjoyed the midnight air with a warm cup of steeped tea
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#witch#sticker#sticker art#decal#witchy#witch magic#witch aesthetic#witchyvibes#tattoos#purple hair#tea#steeped tea#illustration#stars#metallic#gold#sticker design#stickers
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➳ monthly book round-up: february
read:
to kill a kingdom, alexandra christo. 5*. read 21 january 2023 – 01 february 2023.
witches steeped in gold, ciannon smart. 3*. read 12 january 2023 – 09 february 2023.
the seven deaths of evelyn hardcastle, stuart turton. 5*. read 04 february 2023 – 11 february 2023.
ace of spades, faridah àbíké-íyímídé. 5*. read 12 february 2023 – 18 february 2023.
the deep end, jeff kinney. 4*. read 19 february 2023.
the devil and the dark water, stuart turton. 3*. read 12 february 2023 – 26 february 2023.
currently reading:
our violent ends, chloe gong. started 21 february 2023.
this savage song, v.e. schwab. started 01 march 2023.
#monthly roundup#to kill a kingdom#alexandra christo#witches steeped in gold#ciannon smart#the seven deaths of evelyn hardcastle#stuart turton#ace of spades#faridah àbíké íyímídé#the deep end#jeff kinney#the devil and the dark water#currently reading#booklr#bookblr
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Day 414
Listo:
Laundry/cleaning, Reading, Dailies, #TTRPGThings, Watching.
Laundry/cleaning - Picked up some bits here and there. Multiple pieces of Laundry sorted. ✔
Reading things -
- No holds no holds NO HOLDS!. 140 for the year, 11 for the month!
- Empress Crowned in Red (Witches Steeped in Gold #2) by Ciannon Smart 100%! 2🌟 Skipped the first 74% and missed nothing - Jazmyne sucks, still, and always will. Glad for a vaguely amicable end. Shrug.
- Relic and Ruin by Wendii McIver 100%! 2🌟 SO! MANY! CHARACTERS! and they were EXTREMELY bland and not well fleshed out. Very surface level. Difficult to keep them straight. And so much happening all at once! Oof.
- Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White 100%! 5🌟 i’m crying. i’m crying that was so fucking poignant and beautiful and amazing. Holy shit.
- Lie Down with Dogs (Black Dog, #3) by Hailey Edwards 0%!
- Manhwa: Survive as the Hero’s Wife 2 chapters of this read Nope🚫!
UwU♡ ✔✔✔✔✔🚫
Dailies -
- Waifu Did mah dailies! Also, level 16/50 BP now~! AND! Tree lvl 28/50! Also! 24/40 max friendship namecards acquired! New MONTH! new weeklies! Chasm gem thingy is level 7/10! ♡ω♡✔
- Cozy Grove - Doot doot continuing to scout along! Scout rank 17/17! 20/21 besties! More stuff more things! ♡ω♡ ✔ So many new things ahh!
Shells - 106/254 - 41.7%
Fish - 96/180 - 53.3%
Bugs - 129/199 - 64.8%
Flowers - 273/372 - 73.4%
Cooking - 64/71 - 90.1%
Raw Ingredients - 39/54 - 72.2%
Materials - 51/63 - 81%
Recipes - 420/3619 - 11.61%
♡ω♡✔
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus - Star 8/10 get! 174 caught, 104 max level research pages~.
|Alpha||Catch||MaxR/Total - Area
| 49 || 72 || 70/85 - ObsiField
| 47 || 66 || 64/75 - CrimMire
| 52 || 79 || 78/96 - CobCoast
| 49 || 77 || 75/90 - CoroHigh
| 35 || 71 || 68/91 - AlabIce
♡ω♡ 🚫
- Coromon - ♡ω♡ 🚫
- Ooblets - 42/131 little frands, because why not track something. ♡ω♡ 🚫
- SWtOR - Up to 1d11h43m played time. ♡ω♡✔ Taris is finished! Well, as much as i can, anyways~
UwU♡ ✔✔🚫🚫🚫✔
#TTRPGThings - Didn’t do much of anything, just kinda muddled through a bit here and there.✔
Watching things -
- SAO Alicization. Episode 1&2!
- Misfits and Magic episode 2!
Other things - Daily Diarrhea Diary - Good! Last night’s CPAP was better! i was having a little bit of trouble, because my heart kept racing awkwardly, but i managed to curl up on my left side and just kinda zonked out for a few hours. So that was nice. Hoping tonight is even better~ Today is Acthar day 1! Whew i’m already a sweaty bitch. Jeeze.
Food: A Liquid: A Pain: B Brain: B
Tomorrow: Laundry/cleaning, Reading, Dailies, #TTRPGThings, Watching.
Ever Onwards and Upwards!
#Multiple Sclerosis#ADHD#OCD#Arthritis#Spoonie#Daily#Genshin Impact#Genshin Waifu#Waifu Impact#waifu#TTRPGThings#Cozy Grove#SWtOR#Empress Crowned in Red (Witches Steeped in Gold 2) by Ciannon Smart#Relic and Ruin by Wendii McIver#Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White#Acthar#Acthar day 1#sweaty#CPAP
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RWBY Winter Tales
Witch of the Shadows
Blake walked along the path with her familiar, a shadow cat named Fergus. In the City of Vale, there were rumours of a Demon Knight that would appear during the blizzard and slay any unsuspecting travellers. She couldn't stand monsters like that and she agreed to hunt it down in exchange for a weekend at the Library of Forbidden Tomes. There was a treasure kept inside that was far more valubale than any gold in Remnant. Blake shivered violently as she stumbled in the snow.
Fergus; Are you sure you can handle yourself in this weather, my lady?
Blake: O-Of c-c-course. I-I-I'm perfectly f-f-fine.
For several more minutes, the two of them kept trudging along and all the while, the snow became thicker. Blake started to feel her feet soak with each step and it was making her uncomfortable. Unfortunately, she didn't know any fire spells to warm herself up. Fergus shook his head, disappointed in his mistress' lack of forsight.
Fergus: Tsk tsk tsk.
Blake: S-Shut up. A-Anyway, are we in the r-right area yet?
Fergus: We need to go further left. According the citizens of Vale, the Demon Knight's stronghold should be right over here. *runs*
Blake: What the- Fergus, get back here!
Blake tried to run after her familiar, but the deep snow was restricting her movement. She was struggling to keep up and the snowfall was becoming heavy, obscuring her vision. Suddenly, she tripped over what felt like a loose branch and ended up falling down a steep hill.
Blake: Agh!! Ow! *rubbing her head* Damn it! *turns around* Huh?
Blake was flabbergasted. In front of her was a small, decrepit stone house and on the windows were torn flags of a forked Imp. This couldn't possibly be the home of a demon, could it? Blake tried her best to stand up and, grabbing her wand, carefully walked inside.
It wasn't what she had expected at all. The inside of the house looked like a common living room. There was a table, a few broken chairs and a bookshelf. Sitting on a dusty bench was a young man stroking away at Fergus, who trilled delightfully. He had blonde hair, deep sapphire eyes and wore torn white tunic. His most distinguished feature, however, were his horns. He was a demon. Blake shook her head. She couldn't just attack him. Fergus didn't appear to be in any danger and he didn't look like he was a knight either.
Blake: Um, hello?
Demon boy: Huh? Oh. Hello there, witch. I didn't hear you come in. Why is it that you've come here?
Blake: Um... well, I... *lowers wand* I was sent to investigate the reports of a Demon Knight who was attacking unsuspecting travellers. I-I hate to ask, but do you know anything about it?
Demon boy: *shakes head* No, I don't. I was exiled from the Demon Knights 3 months ago.
Blake: Oh... I'm sorry.
Demon boy: It's okay. To be honest, they were a bunch of dicks anyway. By the way, is this your cait familiar?
Blake: Yeah, his name's Fergus. *snaps fingers* Return to me.
Fergus disappeared in a puff of black smoke.
Blake: Anyway, I know you're not a member of the Demon Knights anymore. But did you at least hear anything about the attacks?
Demon boy; Hmmm, if it was attacks on humans, I think I might know one in particular. His name is Cardin and he's... well, infamous is putting it lightly.
Blake: Why exactly is he infamous?
Demon boy: Put it this way, even among demons, he's quite brutal. No one escapes an encounter with him intact. He truly is a monster.
Blake: I see. *grips wand* I hate to ask, but would you help me in finding him?
Demon boy: Well, my combat skills are a little rusty. *stands up* But if you need my help, then I will gladly lend you my services.
Blake: Thank you, Mr...?
Jaune: Jaune Arc. *smiles*
Blake didn't know why, but seeing him smile made her heart flutter a little.
Jaune: Now then, *stands up* why don't you sit down and I'll get some dinner ready.
Blake: O-Oh no no no no, I couldn't possibly-
Jaune: Don't be silly, you just came in from the cold. A hot meal will do you some good. The kitchen's not perfect, but I can whip up something real nice. Do you like tuna?
Blake: YES! I mean- uh, tuna is good.
Jaune: Two tuna steaks with asparagus and mashed potatoes coming right up. *goes into the kitchen*
Blake's stomach grumbled as she heard the sound of pots, pans and the sizzling of the fish. Drool dripped from her mouth as the buttery scent touched her nose. She smiled excitedly. Maybe she had finally found the one.
#rwby#rwby winter tales#rwby au#witches#magic#blake belladonna#jaune arc#cardin winchester#knightshade#rwby knightshade#knightshade rwby#blake x jaune#jaune x blake#jaune arc x blake belladonna#blake belladonna x jaune arc#demons dragons and magic
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Various Uses for Fossils in Magic from Wisht Waters by Gemma Gary
"Sea fossils, as well a guarding against drowning, had other protective uses. The fossils of sea urchins, or Echinoids, were employed for a variety of protections. Upon these fossils, one might find a star-like pattern, very reminiscent of the 'daisy-wheels', which one might find inscribed into the timbers and masonry of ancient buildings, most likely for apotropaic purposes.
Their folk names include shepherd's crowns, thunder stones and fairy loaves. They protected against thunder, evil spirits and witches, prevented milk turning sour, and in common with other fossil amulets, they sweated in the presence of poison. As 'fairy loaves' they might be used to ward off supernatural interference from the baking process, and to ensure an abundance of bread."
pg. 104
"Belemnite fossils, from an extinct squid-like creature, were known as thunderbolts, and were thus kept as charms to protect against lightning. Once believed to be the tongues of ancient serpents, fossilised shark teeth were one of the fossil amulets against poison"
pg. 104
"Rings of stone, formed from the fossilised stems of the sea-lily were known as St Cuthbert's Beads, as were worn as amulets against evil influences."
pg. 105
"The 'Devil's Toenail' fossils were carried as charms against rheumatic pain, and they were powdered to be used in the treatment of soreness of the back in horses."
pg. 107
"Various accoutrements of the sea witch's divinatory work may be seen in the Museum of Witchcraft. Here we find that belemnites were employed by a Newlyn sea witch named Nancy. She would read the fall of her 'sea stones' to make predictions for fishermen. Perhaps their traditional association with lightning gave belemnites the virtue to make predictions regarding storms and changes in the weather?"
pg. 108
[...] There have been many ways to bless, consecrate and 'sain' water, thus rendering it more potent and useful within various rites and magical operations.
This might be achieved by steeping or immersing charmed items within the water, or else allowing water to flow or be poured over such an item. These may include charm-stones, fossils, flints, or the metals gold and silver.
pgs. 115-116
"Ammonite fossils were also employed as charm stones to cure cattle in 17th century Scotland. They were known as 'cramp stones' because cattle afflicted with cramp would be treated by being bathed in water in which a 'cramp stone' had been steeped for a number of hours."
pg. 122
#witchcraft#witchblr#witch#magic#correspondences#fossils#protection magic#protection#weather magic#weather#weather witch#healing#healing magic#healing witch#divination#blessing#consecration#water witch#sea witch#ocean witch
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Embracing the Magic of Yule: A Witch's Guide to Celebrating the Winter Solstice
🌟❄️🕯️
As the winter solstice approaches, the veil between worlds thins, inviting us into the enchanting realm of Yule. This sacred time, celebrated by witches and pagans, heralds the rebirth of the sun, the return of light, and the promise of new beginnings. Let's explore the essence of Yule, how witches honor this festival, rituals, spells, and the myriad wonders associated with this magical season.
What is Yule?
Yule marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a celestial event celebrating the sun's return and the triumph of light over darkness. It symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the turning of the wheel of the year.
How Do Witches Celebrate Yule?
Witches honor Yule with joyous celebrations, rituals, and traditions steeped in ancient lore. They decorate their altars and homes with evergreen boughs, holly, mistletoe, and candles to welcome the returning light.
Rituals and Spells for Yule
🕯️ Yule Log Ceremony: Carving intentions into a Yule log and burning it symbolizes releasing the old and inviting the new.
🌲 Nature Walks: Connect with nature and the dormant Earth. Collect fallen evergreen branches for decorations.
🔮 Divination Rituals: Perform divination to gain insight into the upcoming year's energies and opportunities.
🕯️ Candle Magic: Light candles in colors symbolizing intentions—gold for prosperity, red for courage, and green for growth.
Yule and Sacred Symbols
✨ The Wheel of the Year: Symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, the wheel turns to the winter solstice, marking the beginning of the solar year.
🌞 The Sun: An emblem of hope and vitality, the return of the sun is celebrated with gratitude and reverence.
Other Yuletide Traditions
🎶 Feasting and Merriment: Share meals with loved ones, celebrating abundance and kinship.
🎁 Gift-Giving: Exchange gifts as tokens of love and appreciation, reflecting the spirit of generosity.
Yule is a time of introspection, gratitude, and setting intentions for the coming year. Whether you're performing rituals, casting spells, or simply embracing the magic of the season, Yule offers an opportunity to connect deeply with the natural rhythms of life. As we honor the returning light, let us kindle the flame of hope within our hearts, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the everlasting cycle of life.
May your Yule be blessed with warmth, joy, and the abundance of the season.
🌟❄️🕯️
#yuletide#happy yule#yule#yule celebrations#baby witch#witchy vibes#witchcore#beginner witch#book of shadows#closet witch#grimoire#magick#witch#witch community#witch tips#witchblr#witchcraft 101#witchcraft community#seasonalmagic#winter solstice#witchy things#witchcraft
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