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The Skinwalker's Apprentice
-out of print-
Welcome to The Empire State, where banshees, witches, and skinwalkers wait…” Margo Pennyfeather is being hunted. The 16-year-old witch has always been an outcast, in her home back in England, and now in the village of East Hampton, New York, where her family has settled. No one but her family has ever cared for Margo, but now the most important witch in the magic world wants her as an apprentice, giving her a chance to bring her family out of poverty. Before long, Margo realizes things aren't what they seem, least of all, what kind of witch she really is. Now, the young witch must face a terrifying monster on her own, and the reverberations will reach farther than she could have ever imagined. More than three hundred years later, in 1984 Emerald Kipp is a high school senior in New York City. A troubled teen with a rebellious streak, Emerald can't seem to figure out what to do with her life, and unfortunately for her, “witch” isn’t one of the available career choices in her guidance counselor’s office. As she struggles to figure herself out, Emerald is faced with the threat of being stuck in school and missing her final summer with her three best friends. Her last year of high school is turning out to be the worst yet, and Emerald thinks it can’t possibly get any worse. Unfortunately for her, she’s dead wrong. And there’s something else, something far more sinister stirring in Emerald’s world, and she’ll have to believe in herself if she wants to get through it alive. Two witches, three hundred years apart, one inescapable fate. The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a companion novella l to the upcoming novel, Emerald Kipp and The Riddle of The Timekeeper, a terrifying magical scavenger hunt through the gritty streets of 1980’s New York City,set to a killer soundtrack
Welcome to The Empire State, where banshees, witches, and skinwalkers wait…” Margo Pennyfeather is being hunted. The 16-year-old witch has always been an outcast, in her home back in England, and now in the village of East Hampton, New York, where her family has settled. No one but her family has ever cared for Margo, but now the most important witch in the magic world wants her as an apprentice, giving her a chance to bring her family out of poverty. Before long, Margo realizes things aren't what they seem, least of all, what kind of witch she really is. Now, the young witch must face a terrifying monster on her own, and the reverberations will reach farther than she could have ever imagined. More than three hundred years later, in 1984 Emerald Kipp is a high school senior in New York City. A troubled teen with a rebellious streak, Emerald can't seem to figure out what to do with her life, and unfortunately for her, “witch” isn’t one of the available career choices in her guidance counselor’s office. As she struggles to figure herself out, Emerald is faced with the threat of being stuck in school and missing her final summer with her three best friends. Her last year of high school is turning out to be the worst yet, and Emerald thinks it can’t possibly get any worse. Unfortunately for her, she’s dead wrong. And there’s something else, something far more sinister stirring in Emerald’s world, and she’ll have to believe in herself if she wants to get through it alive. Two witches, three hundred years apart, one inescapable fate. The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a companion novella l to the upcoming novel, Emerald Kipp and The Riddle of The Timekeeper, a terrifying magical scavenger hunt through the gritty streets of 1980’s New York City,set to a killer soundtrack
167 pages, ebook
First published January 15, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 5, 2014
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced reader copy of The Skinwalker's Apprentice, which is a novella from the upcoming Emerald Kipp series. The author, Claribel Ortega, immediately pulls you into the unique and different worlds of Emerald Kipp and Margo Pennyfeather. In her her debut as a novelist, Ortega proves herself to be a gifted story teller, introducing the reader to new, unseen magical sides of the world in which we live.
We meet Margo, a teenage witch in colonial America, as she unexpectedly finds herself in a dangerous and magical game of cat and mouse. Meanwhile, three hundred years in the future, we visit Emerald and taste what life is is like for a teenage witch in high school in 1980's New York City.
The series will likely have roots in history, as there are references to New York City's Mayor Koch, the Salem Witch Trials, and various musical acts.
I felt like was able to immediately connect to Emerald. I appreciated her worries and fear of the unknown, and I can see the potential underdog in her.
As I read Margo's story, I felt like I was being put in her shoes,experiencing what her life was like in 17th century America. As her story progressed,I felt as though I was there beside her, each step of the way.
This book will be enjoyed by all who like thrilling stories, adventures, and magic. It left me in anticipation of the author's next book, and first part of The Empire Witch Series, The Riddle of the Timekeeper.
We meet Margo, a teenage witch in colonial America, as she unexpectedly finds herself in a dangerous and magical game of cat and mouse. Meanwhile, three hundred years in the future, we visit Emerald and taste what life is is like for a teenage witch in high school in 1980's New York City.
The series will likely have roots in history, as there are references to New York City's Mayor Koch, the Salem Witch Trials, and various musical acts.
I felt like was able to immediately connect to Emerald. I appreciated her worries and fear of the unknown, and I can see the potential underdog in her.
As I read Margo's story, I felt like I was being put in her shoes,experiencing what her life was like in 17th century America. As her story progressed,I felt as though I was there beside her, each step of the way.
This book will be enjoyed by all who like thrilling stories, adventures, and magic. It left me in anticipation of the author's next book, and first part of The Empire Witch Series, The Riddle of the Timekeeper.
January 9, 2014
I got a ARC
I liked the story but the one thing I didn't like was all the jumping back and fourth from the 1650 and 1980. I really liked the characters and I felt like I could feel what they were feeling and going through. I could see me being friends with both the female characters. Margo Pennyfeather is a witch from the 1650s and Emerald Kipp is a witch from the 1980's. Both live in New York but just from different times. I can't wait to read the series. I want to say think you to Claribel Ortega the author letting me read and review this story
I liked the story but the one thing I didn't like was all the jumping back and fourth from the 1650 and 1980. I really liked the characters and I felt like I could feel what they were feeling and going through. I could see me being friends with both the female characters. Margo Pennyfeather is a witch from the 1650s and Emerald Kipp is a witch from the 1980's. Both live in New York but just from different times. I can't wait to read the series. I want to say think you to Claribel Ortega the author letting me read and review this story
December 27, 2013
Received this book as an arc. I really enjoyed the story line since I love witches. I wasn't expecting all the references to music so that was refreshing, any 1980s music fans will really dig it. It's on the shorter side since it's a novella but I a,m excited to read the first book in the series now, curious about where the story is going. I Think it's worth a read for fantasy fans, and has awesome potential. Hope the rest of the books lives up to my expectations.
January 11, 2014
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The Skinwalker's Apprentice is about Margo Pennyfeather and Emerald Kipp, two witches separated by hundreds of years in time, but who share one inescapable fate. Margo Pennyfeather is a witch in the 1600s, struggling to survive in colonial America. Margo has always been an outcast, unkown and unloved by everyone except her family. She is given the chance of a lifetime; to apprentice for the Priestess, the most important witch of the magical world. However, Margo's apprenticeship is not what it seems, and the young witch ultimately faces a darkness that threatens to destroy everything she knows. In contrast, Emerald Kipp is a normal teenager in New York City, 1980. The only remarkable thing about her is her bright blue hair and her magical ability. The book narrates her existential crisis as she gallivants around New York City. The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a prequel to The Empire Witch Series, the upcoming Emerald Kipp series.
Initially, I had high hopes for this book. I've always been a fan of high and urban fantasy, presenting the opportunity for a reader to delve into fantasy stories in a human world. And there is no topic more interesting than witches. Witches are an integral part of our world history and mythology. Whether they are presented as beautiful beings and protectors, or evil crones, there has always been a question about the integral magic in our world, and in ourselves. Add to that the split narrative exploring different timelines (essentially different words) and this could have been my literary kryptonite. Alas, the Skinwalker's apprentice had potential; but failed to deliver.
The Pros:
The Skinwalker's Apprentice has an interesting premise; a young witch's apprenticeship to the most powerful witch of her time is not the blessing she thinks it is. The magic and the mystery were very interesting, as was a look at life in colonial America, especially for a young witch. Margo's storyline was by far the more compelling of the two, and painted a picture of the witches' world and magic. It provided a much needed sense of action and adventure, that kept me turning the pages. Margo in particular was a very engaging character; her kindness, bravery and her love for her family had me rooting for her.The conclusion of her story was a thrilling cliffhanger; that makes one imagine just how much Margo's actions intersect or influence the future. In contrast, Emerald's storyline is the 'urban' part of the urban fantasy, as it introduces the reader to a rebellious young witch who's life is unremarkable in everyway except for her magic. Emerald's storyline is the more emotional of the two, her fears about her future and her identity something that resonates in all of us. The book was well-written and easy to read, I breezed past it in less than two hours. There were some parts of this book that I really enjoyed, and left me curious and wanting more.
The Cons:
The Skinwalker's Apprentice is set up as a prequel, and it feels like one.Margo and Emerald's storylines are essentially introductions, Margo's is used for world-building, to establish the mythology in Ortega's magical world, while Emerald's narrative is to allow the reader to meet the characters in The Empire Witch Series There is simultaneously too much and too little information. The author glosses over the mythology and speeds through the plot, but at the same time, seems reluctant to introduce or develop integral characters apart from revealing their names. The author tries too hard to pace the storyline, that she somehow manages to make it progress too slowly and too quickly at the same time. Margo's storyline suffers the most, as Ortega glosses over the details of her apprenticeship; dismissing her tutelage in mere paragraphs as opposed to chapters. Any mention of her magical ability is limited to token sentences that involve conjuring and potion-making, without any exploration to her mythology. Surprisingly little is said about magic, especially in a book about witches.
In contrast, Emerald's storyline seemed to drag on forever, her journey throughout New York City as she bemoans her existential crisis spanned 12344567 chapters when it could have been dismissed in a paragraph. The set up is this: providing a history as to who and what a Skinwalker is and thereby putting into motion a thrillng story about magic and witchery in an urban setting. Ortega does first what most authors do later, she puts out a prequel before the actual book series. In doing so, the book expects readers to have existing knowledge about the characters, the setting and the mythology. It feels more like a summary of a book than an actual book itself.
I understand that this book is supposed to seem more like a sneak peek into Emerald's life before the action starts. That in itself is the problem. Prequels are often created to provide fans with a peek into the hero/heroine's life before they knew them; a driving interest in the tedious everyday life of fantasy heroines before the fantasy is usually clamored for when the reader has already gone through the action with the character. By introducing Emerald's character into the prequel, Ortega just makes it drag on and on, condensing the plot into one snapshot of Emerald's life. Withholding too much information so as to ostensibly save Emerald for later books does more bad than good. Her tedious journey throughout New York City just bored me, and her problems seemed almost trivial when intersected with Margo's much more compelling storyline. On paper, Emerald could have been an engaging heroine, but her dragging storyline just left me exhausted.
Conclusion:
The Skinwalker's Apprentice may be a good read for fans of the genre, but its wonky pacing and premature characterization leaves readers with a sense of frustration. it fails to capture the absurdity and essence of magic and fails to establish any sort of mythology. The plot has potential, and future books in the series may improve and deliver, but the pacing of the book places too much importance of creating hype and mystery for subsequent books that the author forgets that a prequel in itself is also requires plot not just exposition.
July 30, 2014
Emerald and Margo are teenage witches, living in different time periods. Margo, in the late 1600's and Emerald is in the 1980's―both living in New York.
Margo is accepted by a high priestess in witchcraft to be her apprentice. More than honored, Margo tries her best to do everything that is required of her to gain approval from the priestess. But there is a deep, dark secret being kept and soon Margo will be fighting for her life.
Emerald is in high school and getting into mischief. She's got a rebellious streak but is still a good kid, and like most teens her age, trying to figure her way in life. She ponders the well-known question, "What should I do after graduation?" While trying to find her way, little does she know, something foul is brewing behind the scenes.
The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a spellbinding story, well written, with a great amount of thought and imagination integrated into it. The nail-biting conflict grows very intense as the plot escalates. The spells, dark-magic and non stop action had me on the edge of my seat anticipating what was going to happen next.
Claribel has cleverly puzzled together a fascinating tale that will have you intrigued and mystified up until the very last page. I recommend this book to all fantasy and suspense lovers―teens as well as adults.
Margo is accepted by a high priestess in witchcraft to be her apprentice. More than honored, Margo tries her best to do everything that is required of her to gain approval from the priestess. But there is a deep, dark secret being kept and soon Margo will be fighting for her life.
Emerald is in high school and getting into mischief. She's got a rebellious streak but is still a good kid, and like most teens her age, trying to figure her way in life. She ponders the well-known question, "What should I do after graduation?" While trying to find her way, little does she know, something foul is brewing behind the scenes.
The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a spellbinding story, well written, with a great amount of thought and imagination integrated into it. The nail-biting conflict grows very intense as the plot escalates. The spells, dark-magic and non stop action had me on the edge of my seat anticipating what was going to happen next.
Claribel has cleverly puzzled together a fascinating tale that will have you intrigued and mystified up until the very last page. I recommend this book to all fantasy and suspense lovers―teens as well as adults.
February 27, 2014
Skinwalker's Apprentice follows the lives of two witches in two different time frames: 1650's and 1980's. Margo Pennyfeather (love the last name) lived in the 1600s and Emerald Kipp in the 1900's.
Margo is practically in shock when she is invited to be an apprentice to the Priestess. I want to say that her entire experience was an built her self-esteem.
Emerald Kipp no longer has her parents in her life, so naturally that affects how she behaves or not. While she appears to be a pretty typical teen in many ways, she is, after all, a witch.
Just like many teens, Emerald and Margo both want to fit in, and both have various occurrences that make the reader feel deeply for them.
I personally love music and music is included quite a bit in this book, so that was an added bonus for me.
One last thing that really added to my enjoyment of this book is that parts of it read like a fairy tale.
Recommendation: I think it's definitely a good read, and it is a prequel to a series. I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series to find out what happens.
Summary of the new series quoted from the blurb on this book: "The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a prequel to the upcoming novel, Emerald Kipp and The Riddle of The Timekeeper, a terrifying magical scavenger hunt through the gritty streets of 1980’s New York City,set to a killer soundtrack, and perfect for fans of Harry Potter and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Part of The Empire Witch series."
Margo is practically in shock when she is invited to be an apprentice to the Priestess. I want to say that her entire experience was an built her self-esteem.
Emerald Kipp no longer has her parents in her life, so naturally that affects how she behaves or not. While she appears to be a pretty typical teen in many ways, she is, after all, a witch.
Just like many teens, Emerald and Margo both want to fit in, and both have various occurrences that make the reader feel deeply for them.
I personally love music and music is included quite a bit in this book, so that was an added bonus for me.
One last thing that really added to my enjoyment of this book is that parts of it read like a fairy tale.
Recommendation: I think it's definitely a good read, and it is a prequel to a series. I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series to find out what happens.
Summary of the new series quoted from the blurb on this book: "The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a prequel to the upcoming novel, Emerald Kipp and The Riddle of The Timekeeper, a terrifying magical scavenger hunt through the gritty streets of 1980’s New York City,set to a killer soundtrack, and perfect for fans of Harry Potter and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Part of The Empire Witch series."
January 13, 2014
I got this as an ARC. Was a great introduction for a series in my opinion. Fun characters, cool music, and a creepy villain. It's a good little novella, would read it again. I loved Emerald's story, and could relate to her anxiety of the future. I don't think she was overly "with it" and wasn't the perfect heroine who every guy is in love with and I hope it doesn't turn into that later on because that's seriously annoying. She's just an awkward, loser kind of girl, and I want to know what happens next. Will be picking up the next book, anyone looking for a different approach in a fantasy book will like it too.
Quotes I liked:
“Open, open, door I’ve chosen,” said Mary as the plain wall shook and a silver handle sprouted from its brown surface."
Quotes I liked:
“Open, open, door I’ve chosen,” said Mary as the plain wall shook and a silver handle sprouted from its brown surface."
February 24, 2014
Review:
The Skinwalker’s Apprentice is the start of what I anticipate to be a great new magic based series. A unique, yet realistic main female character; magic with a good mix of understanding and mystery; and very strong writing for a new author.
In The Skinwalker’s Apprentice, we follow 2 young witches; a colonial period witch named Margo Pennyfeather, and a 1980’s witch named Emerald Kipp. Margo is from a poor immigrant family, and is chosen to become the apprentice to the head priestess and train to become a powerful which. Emerald lives with her aunt; and as far as she knows they are the only two witches around and have to keep their powers a secret.
I was surprised at how strong the writing was for a young author on her first work. Claribel does an excellent job with writing visually without over detailing and bogging the reader down with over depiction. Her character of Emerald Kipp has to be one of the most real characters I have read in a YA book in recent time. She will be a strong female character and looks to not fit a common mold YA readers are accustomed to.
The Skinwalker’s apprentice shows the research that Ortega put behind the book, making many accurate references to people, history, and time appropriate items for each character. I think fantasy writing with a backing in historic back is a winning combination for a fictional YA series.
The magic is exciting, and I cannot place it as similar to another work I have read. This series should form up to not be another cookie cutter magic series. The depth of the characters, especially the Priestess and most of the characters in Emeralds story line, was excellent for the short length of this eBook.
My star deduction comes from two points. First, I think the story of Emerald in this prologue did not have an ending; whereas Margo’s story had a clear beginning middle and end. My second qualm is that the chapters alternated very evenly for 3 quarters of the book before leading into a long string of consecutive Margo chapters. The Margo chapters were exciting and I can see why they were strung together, but it shook the flow up a little.
Definitely read The Skin walker’s apprentice. I think this will be a great series. I look forward to reading the first full story. CHeck back next weekend for an interview with Claribel about The Skinwalker’s Apprentice and The Emerald Kipp Series.
More reviews at http://zero2fiction.wordpress.com/
The Skinwalker’s Apprentice is the start of what I anticipate to be a great new magic based series. A unique, yet realistic main female character; magic with a good mix of understanding and mystery; and very strong writing for a new author.
In The Skinwalker’s Apprentice, we follow 2 young witches; a colonial period witch named Margo Pennyfeather, and a 1980’s witch named Emerald Kipp. Margo is from a poor immigrant family, and is chosen to become the apprentice to the head priestess and train to become a powerful which. Emerald lives with her aunt; and as far as she knows they are the only two witches around and have to keep their powers a secret.
I was surprised at how strong the writing was for a young author on her first work. Claribel does an excellent job with writing visually without over detailing and bogging the reader down with over depiction. Her character of Emerald Kipp has to be one of the most real characters I have read in a YA book in recent time. She will be a strong female character and looks to not fit a common mold YA readers are accustomed to.
The Skinwalker’s apprentice shows the research that Ortega put behind the book, making many accurate references to people, history, and time appropriate items for each character. I think fantasy writing with a backing in historic back is a winning combination for a fictional YA series.
The magic is exciting, and I cannot place it as similar to another work I have read. This series should form up to not be another cookie cutter magic series. The depth of the characters, especially the Priestess and most of the characters in Emeralds story line, was excellent for the short length of this eBook.
My star deduction comes from two points. First, I think the story of Emerald in this prologue did not have an ending; whereas Margo’s story had a clear beginning middle and end. My second qualm is that the chapters alternated very evenly for 3 quarters of the book before leading into a long string of consecutive Margo chapters. The Margo chapters were exciting and I can see why they were strung together, but it shook the flow up a little.
Definitely read The Skin walker’s apprentice. I think this will be a great series. I look forward to reading the first full story. CHeck back next weekend for an interview with Claribel about The Skinwalker’s Apprentice and The Emerald Kipp Series.
More reviews at http://zero2fiction.wordpress.com/
September 9, 2016
I have the great joy of being a new member of Claribel Ortega's street team. This is my first time to do anything like this, and I am very excited about it. Due to this, I was sent an ebook copy of this novella so that I could begin the journey into what I can tell is going to be an amazing series. I have not read many novellas, or many prequels of books for that matter, but I enjoyed this story immensely and I think that it was a great help in setting up for the start of the series.
In the novella we are introduced to two characters; Margo Pennyfeather is from colonial America in 1650. She is a teenage witch who is thrilled to be put into a position where she can master her skills with the Priestess. Every time I read about Margo and her story I felt like I was actually there with her. I felt her fear as she was learning, her anxiety as she tried to develop her personal gift, and her joy when she was successful and proud of herself. She was an extremely likeable character, and it was nice to get to see into her world.
The other character is Emerald Kipp, a high school teen growing up in New York City in the 1980s. We see her going to school, having friends, and getting into trouble as she tries to master being a witch and keeping it quiet so that no one else knows. I related very well to Emerald, probably because her story is written closer to the time we are currently in. One thing is clear, these characters are going to go through a whole lot as we get more into this series.
I loved how Ortega wrote the novella going back and forth between the two girls and their stories. While this does not work in some cases, I felt that it was a very successful strategy to use in this short book. Ultimately, this novella has me eagerly awaiting the release of the first full-length book in the Empire Witch Series, The Riddle of the Timekeeper. I would certainly recommend this novella to fantasy fans. Ortega is a wonderful debut writer, and I cannot wait to continue her story.
In the novella we are introduced to two characters; Margo Pennyfeather is from colonial America in 1650. She is a teenage witch who is thrilled to be put into a position where she can master her skills with the Priestess. Every time I read about Margo and her story I felt like I was actually there with her. I felt her fear as she was learning, her anxiety as she tried to develop her personal gift, and her joy when she was successful and proud of herself. She was an extremely likeable character, and it was nice to get to see into her world.
The other character is Emerald Kipp, a high school teen growing up in New York City in the 1980s. We see her going to school, having friends, and getting into trouble as she tries to master being a witch and keeping it quiet so that no one else knows. I related very well to Emerald, probably because her story is written closer to the time we are currently in. One thing is clear, these characters are going to go through a whole lot as we get more into this series.
I loved how Ortega wrote the novella going back and forth between the two girls and their stories. While this does not work in some cases, I felt that it was a very successful strategy to use in this short book. Ultimately, this novella has me eagerly awaiting the release of the first full-length book in the Empire Witch Series, The Riddle of the Timekeeper. I would certainly recommend this novella to fantasy fans. Ortega is a wonderful debut writer, and I cannot wait to continue her story.
October 3, 2014
Magic and witches. Two distinct eras: the 1980s and the 1650s. Two 16 year old girls traversing the magical world among oblivious humans. Claribel Ortega's The Skinwalker's Apprentice weaves the tales of the two young witches together.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website:http://jenpaul13.wix.com/makinggoodst....
In the 1980s, 16 year old Emerald Kipp is a troublemaker in her high school with vibrantly blue and then pink colored hair. Emerald's friends, Jackson, a younger version of Denzel Washington, Seneka, and Charlie round out the group of "outsiders" in high school. Emerald and her Aunt Nora are witches, but Emerald is only allowed to practice her magic in the safe confines of her bedroom and Aunt Nora doesn't use her magic at all.
In the 1650s, Margo Pennyfeather comes from a family of witches who are trying to establish themselves in America but are looked down upon by their contemporaries. Margo's family has long been Seers, those who are able to see the future. Margo receives an invitation to study as an apprentice with the High Priestess of The Coven and she is excited for the opportunity to study and use her magic. But as good as it seems, can it be true, or is there some hidden catch?
The story is an interesting concept that takes a new tact on the whole magic and witches aspect that doesn't have a centralized magic school that dominates many established stories of young people and magic. I was intrigued by the two different story lines, and clearly they are related and will come together at some point, but, despite being a novella and, therefore, condensed by nature, the two story lines are not tied together well and it raises far too many questions than it answers. And with the concept of drawing Emerald's and Margo's stories together, there was an instant with a continuity error of name usage, which made me seriously question how the stories are related and the thought process behind the story arc for the subsequent novellas.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website:http://jenpaul13.wix.com/makinggoodst....
In the 1980s, 16 year old Emerald Kipp is a troublemaker in her high school with vibrantly blue and then pink colored hair. Emerald's friends, Jackson, a younger version of Denzel Washington, Seneka, and Charlie round out the group of "outsiders" in high school. Emerald and her Aunt Nora are witches, but Emerald is only allowed to practice her magic in the safe confines of her bedroom and Aunt Nora doesn't use her magic at all.
In the 1650s, Margo Pennyfeather comes from a family of witches who are trying to establish themselves in America but are looked down upon by their contemporaries. Margo's family has long been Seers, those who are able to see the future. Margo receives an invitation to study as an apprentice with the High Priestess of The Coven and she is excited for the opportunity to study and use her magic. But as good as it seems, can it be true, or is there some hidden catch?
The story is an interesting concept that takes a new tact on the whole magic and witches aspect that doesn't have a centralized magic school that dominates many established stories of young people and magic. I was intrigued by the two different story lines, and clearly they are related and will come together at some point, but, despite being a novella and, therefore, condensed by nature, the two story lines are not tied together well and it raises far too many questions than it answers. And with the concept of drawing Emerald's and Margo's stories together, there was an instant with a continuity error of name usage, which made me seriously question how the stories are related and the thought process behind the story arc for the subsequent novellas.
September 24, 2014
I really must read more about these books before I start them! Halfway through I realised that this is in fact a prequel to a book series that has not yet come out. Usually prequels appear later in a series due to fan demand – they want to know more about the characters and crave more details and history to sate their hunger. And this is great, but only once the characters have been fully introduced in a proper novel setting. By reading the prequel first, I felt a little non-committed to the characters, why? – because its only an introduction. I’m not sure how helpful a tool this book will be for promoting the series in general. Readers tend to judge an author by their first book and this one gives us interesting characters, but sadly little plot.
From a writer’s perspective, I liked the two time zones, it separated each of the main character’s parts nicely and there was clearly a lot of research into both time periods. I especially liked one being set in the 1980s, although not an era anyone would like to really live in again (I mean the shoulder pads alone!) but it was really quite nostalgic.
The front cover is a bit of a let down. It’s kind of cartoonish and doesn’t do the writing justice. YA is such a competitive genre and the front cover is what sells it – personally I’d change it to something more like Rachel Harris’ ‘A Tale of Two Centuries’ and have both eras and characters clearly on the front.
Overall I’d give The Skinwalker’s Apprentice 3 out of 5 stars – I’m interested to see the series that it preludes – just think that it shouldn’t have come out first.
From a writer’s perspective, I liked the two time zones, it separated each of the main character’s parts nicely and there was clearly a lot of research into both time periods. I especially liked one being set in the 1980s, although not an era anyone would like to really live in again (I mean the shoulder pads alone!) but it was really quite nostalgic.
The front cover is a bit of a let down. It’s kind of cartoonish and doesn’t do the writing justice. YA is such a competitive genre and the front cover is what sells it – personally I’d change it to something more like Rachel Harris’ ‘A Tale of Two Centuries’ and have both eras and characters clearly on the front.
Overall I’d give The Skinwalker’s Apprentice 3 out of 5 stars – I’m interested to see the series that it preludes – just think that it shouldn’t have come out first.
September 3, 2016
Margo has only wanted to train and become a great witch to help her family. They where hunted for being witches and now in their new home it seems things are turning around. She has just got an apprentice place with an important witch. She still hasn't found her great power yet but she is learning lots. However something is odd about her teacher. Her life is about to be changed forever. Three hundred years later Emerald is trying to figure out what to do after graduation and to try and stay out of trouble. That is hard t do when she has so many great ideas. She is a witch but has hidden t from everyone. One last prank and she has to watch everything she does or face summer school. She knows never to use her power where anyone can see it but even she doesn't know what all powers she has.
I enjoyed getting to know both Margo and Emerald in this book. Margo is trying her best to do what is right and help her family. She trains hard and still tries to find her special power. She is young bt knows she has to keep it a secret from non family. Emerald doesn't use her powers a lot but she seems to gt into trouble a lot. She doesn't mean to hurt anyone just have fun and get back at bullies. She is trying to think of what she wants in her future. Seeing the past and the 1980's was very neat and the author does a great job with both characters. Even knowing it was coming I was still surprised by Margo's teacher. How far she was willing to go will surprise you. i love how Margo escapes. I enjoyed this very much and look forward to reading more about these characters.
I enjoyed getting to know both Margo and Emerald in this book. Margo is trying her best to do what is right and help her family. She trains hard and still tries to find her special power. She is young bt knows she has to keep it a secret from non family. Emerald doesn't use her powers a lot but she seems to gt into trouble a lot. She doesn't mean to hurt anyone just have fun and get back at bullies. She is trying to think of what she wants in her future. Seeing the past and the 1980's was very neat and the author does a great job with both characters. Even knowing it was coming I was still surprised by Margo's teacher. How far she was willing to go will surprise you. i love how Margo escapes. I enjoyed this very much and look forward to reading more about these characters.
May 9, 2014
Margo has always wanted to train and become a better witch to help her family out. They have left their home due to witches being hunted and killed. In her new town everything seems to be better when she gets an apprenticeship with an important witch. But this witch is not all she seems and soon Margo realizes she has a very special power that this witch wants from her. Flash forward three hundred years and we meet Emerald who is trying to find out what she wants to do with her life, stay out of trouble so she can graduate on time with her best friends. But that proves harder than it should be when Emerald has all these great ideas as she sees them but actually they get her in trouble at every turn. She is also keeping a huge secret she is a witch with great power but not even she realizes just how special she really is.
I loved how the book went back and forth from each girl. Getting to know each one separately was great. Margo who is just trying to better her craft to help her family is just amazing. She is special and so much more powerful than even she imagined. I would love to have her powers. Emerald doesn’t use her powers as often since she has to hide them from her friends. But she is a great heroine who doesn’t mean to hurt anyone she just wants to have fun. The author does a great job with both heroines. We really get to know each one. But I really loved how Margo escaped from her teacher. I can’t wait for the next book. 4/5 Bloody Fangs
I loved how the book went back and forth from each girl. Getting to know each one separately was great. Margo who is just trying to better her craft to help her family is just amazing. She is special and so much more powerful than even she imagined. I would love to have her powers. Emerald doesn’t use her powers as often since she has to hide them from her friends. But she is a great heroine who doesn’t mean to hurt anyone she just wants to have fun. The author does a great job with both heroines. We really get to know each one. But I really loved how Margo escaped from her teacher. I can’t wait for the next book. 4/5 Bloody Fangs
May 12, 2014
I've stumbled upon this book a few days ago and ever since I've picked it up it sticks to me . I'm the kind of person who would write down quotes and draw fanart and read fanfiction that's how obsessed I get with books . And just like that after reading The Skinwalkers Apperentice it is all I could talk of with my friends and doodle the characters names all over my copy books.
The story follows two completely different yet interesting in their own way girls who not only have to deal with problems common in their age and time but also magic that affects them as much as teen hormones .Margo was a witch born very caring and attached to her family so she deals plenty with that before a very interesting offer to be apprenticed by a powerful witch that pops up and changes her life forever ( NOT SPOILING HOW EXACTLY THOUGH ) . As for Emerald she is leading a normal life except for she isn't she has school and all that stuff BUT ... just like Margo she has magical powers which she harnesses greatly .
As for the writing of the author I found it enchanting because she sees everything as if through some glittery magical glass and then weaves spells and characters with words I think its a beautiful gift and she has done a great job on her novel and i'm so looking for ward to her next one )))
ps: people who don't like attaching to characters both emotionally and caring for them u'd rather nit read this book because it sticks to you .
The story follows two completely different yet interesting in their own way girls who not only have to deal with problems common in their age and time but also magic that affects them as much as teen hormones .Margo was a witch born very caring and attached to her family so she deals plenty with that before a very interesting offer to be apprenticed by a powerful witch that pops up and changes her life forever ( NOT SPOILING HOW EXACTLY THOUGH ) . As for Emerald she is leading a normal life except for she isn't she has school and all that stuff BUT ... just like Margo she has magical powers which she harnesses greatly .
As for the writing of the author I found it enchanting because she sees everything as if through some glittery magical glass and then weaves spells and characters with words I think its a beautiful gift and she has done a great job on her novel and i'm so looking for ward to her next one )))
ps: people who don't like attaching to characters both emotionally and caring for them u'd rather nit read this book because it sticks to you .
June 3, 2014
Emerald Kipp is a classic New York City high school senior in 1984. Even with a small but loyal circle of diverse friends, Emerald still feels like a misfit. Of course, she has good reason. She and her Aunt Nora are the last witches of their kind. Emerald resents her unforgiving principal, the pressure to commit to a future but mostly the fact that she is not permitted to practice magic outside of her room.
Margo Pennyfeather is a young woman living with her parents, grandparents and sister in East Hampton, NY in 1658. Her family, too, must hide that they are witches. When Margo is given the opportunity to study under the High Priestess, she is thrilled, until the lessons take an unexpected turn.
Ortega takes the complicated situation of two separate, yet hauntingly similar stories, and weaves them together with skill and ease. Both of her protagonists live vastly different lives yet share the universal fear of what the future holds for them. The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a prequel novella and sets you up for an amazing ride in future installments.
Margo Pennyfeather is a young woman living with her parents, grandparents and sister in East Hampton, NY in 1658. Her family, too, must hide that they are witches. When Margo is given the opportunity to study under the High Priestess, she is thrilled, until the lessons take an unexpected turn.
Ortega takes the complicated situation of two separate, yet hauntingly similar stories, and weaves them together with skill and ease. Both of her protagonists live vastly different lives yet share the universal fear of what the future holds for them. The Skinwalker's Apprentice is a prequel novella and sets you up for an amazing ride in future installments.
August 10, 2014
An amazing book by an amazing up and coming author. The Skin-walkers Apprentice is a prequel to Emerald Kipp and the Riddle of the Time Keeper and it delivers so much more than a Novella normally does.
The book takes place in two different time periods, the 1600s and 1980s. We meet two witches on an exciting journey of self discovery. This brings teenage angst to a whole new level. We get glimpses into each girls life and what they are going through at the time. By the end of the book it is focused more on Margo as she is fighting for her life.
The characters are introduced where you are left wanting more. The plot is faced paced and ends with a cliff hanger. You can tell that the author was a journalist as there is genuine research throughout the entire book on both time periods.
Overall, Every instance is well thought out, the characters are rich and enticing (I can't wait to find out more about Emerald). The language is smart and not over done. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book from this amazing author! Bring on the time keeper!!
The book takes place in two different time periods, the 1600s and 1980s. We meet two witches on an exciting journey of self discovery. This brings teenage angst to a whole new level. We get glimpses into each girls life and what they are going through at the time. By the end of the book it is focused more on Margo as she is fighting for her life.
The characters are introduced where you are left wanting more. The plot is faced paced and ends with a cliff hanger. You can tell that the author was a journalist as there is genuine research throughout the entire book on both time periods.
Overall, Every instance is well thought out, the characters are rich and enticing (I can't wait to find out more about Emerald). The language is smart and not over done. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book from this amazing author! Bring on the time keeper!!
January 26, 2014
I loved the whole story, the entire description of the characters and the different periods where they take place, the description is good enough to make me feel as if I was watching the story happening and I could really identify with both Emerald and Margo. Im looking forward to know what happens next in both stories, i was so attracted to both stories that I found myself reading nonstop to know how they were going to end.
September 9, 2016
A great start to what is sure to be an awesome series! I really enjoyed this novella, looking forward to reading the first book in this series. The story was superb, the world building was fantastic and the writing beautiful. The characters were both likeable and interesting. The ending was...well, the ending leaves you wanting more, that's for sure. Which is what a novella is meant to do! :)
February 27, 2014
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May 27, 2015
Awed at this book
I absolutely loved this book it had a confusing beginning but other than that it was AWESOME:) yay:) thank you Claribel Ortega
I absolutely loved this book it had a confusing beginning but other than that it was AWESOME:) yay:) thank you Claribel Ortega
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