Review: Taken (Rune Witch Mysteries #1) by Victoria DeLuis

Flora Reviews… Taken by Victoria DeLuis. The first book that kicks off her new cozy paranormal mystery series, Rune Witch Mysteries.

Taken is the first book in a new series – Rune Witch Mysteries  – an urban fantasy/ paranormal mystery that blends our modern ideas about witchcraft and magic with Welsh mythology. Taken is a novella (approx 87 pages) set in modern day Wales, UK. Our protagonists are rune witch, Summer Daniels, and her long time boyfriend, Thomas Heart. Thomas is human and a master in the martial art of Krav Magna. We’re also introduced to a host of supernatural beings including: house fairies, goblins and witches.

I focus my reviews on how the story was told rather than the plot itself. I’m looking at the author’s writing style, how they paced their plots and how well they constructed their characters and setting. Therefore, my reviews don’t contain spoilers or reveal plot twists.

Here’s what the official blurb has to say about the story.

ARC Disclosure:

So, before we get into what I thought about this book, I want you to know that I given a digital version for free from the author (Victoria DeLuis) in exchange for an honest review as part of her Advanced Reading Team.

Victoria DeLuis is not a new-to-me author. I’ve read A Matter of Death (Independent Necromancers’ Bureau #1) and really enjoyed it.

Don’t be put off that Taken is only a novella. The writing style, plot development and characters all impressed me – I didn’t feel short changed. I found this book very easy read; the pace was good, the plot was intelligent, the setting was a wonderful mix of fantasy and reality. The story engaged me almost from the first page – the way Victoria crafted it, sparked my interest.

I liked the way that we were introduced to our two main characters. The way we got to know their personalities and what they did for a living in the very first chapter. When the female protagonist is intelligent, resilient and has a good sense of humour, I enjoy the story more. Thankfully Summer Daniels was all of these and more. I appreciated the fact that Summer and Thomas were already in a long term relationship. Their love, companionship and loyalty to each other felt very real for me. I loved how their back-stories were seamlessly included into the tale.

Confession time. There were a couple of scenes that brought a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. However fear not, avid readers, this is no romantic weepy. Like most Brits I do love a bit of banter and this story has some laughs too.

I enjoyed the twists and turns that Victoria took us on. I wasn’t ever sure how things were going to pan out. However I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out.

Nope. I enjoyed every page. My only gripe was that it wasn’t longer, I was enjoying the characters and the world and I was greedy for more! Lol!

As a first in series, I was bracing myself for the inevitable cliffhanger. However I’m happy to confirm that the case Summer and Thomas are working on is concluded before the end. Woop!Woop! (‘cause you all know how I feel a about cliffhangers, grrr). I think I’m going to enjoy this new series.

I really loved this novella. It had everything that I look for in a story. Plus Victoria manages to pack it in within so few pages! There’s mystery, action, humour and even a sprinkling of romance.

There are no explicit or graphic violent or sexual scenes. Therefore I feel comfortable recommending this book to any reader.

I’d recommend Taken to readers who love a mystery to solve and enjoy fantasy, adventures themes. There is a bit of romance thrown, however it’s part of an existing stable relationship.

Has my review of TAKEN (RUNE WITCH MYSTERIES #1) encouraged you to find out more? Click on any of the links below to check out the book yourself. Keep reading to find out more about the author.

Buy TAKEN (or any of the RUNE WITCH MYSTERIES books) in print or ebook format through Amazon:

Amazon UK ¦ Amazon US

Or read for free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription!

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