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K S Marsden
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Winter Trials (Northern Witch Book 1) Kindle Edition

by K.S. Marsden (Author), Lesley Anne Neale (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 449 ratings
With Midwinter just around the corner, Mark's Nanna decides that it is time he learnt more about his family heritage. Learning witchcraft shouldn't be too difficult, right?Balancing school, magic, and the distractions of the gorgeous new guy, should make this a very interesting winter.
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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Book 1 of 6
    Northern Witch
  3. Print length
    121 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    November 16, 2016
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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 See full series
There are 6 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

5 STARS ~ Reviewed By Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Winter Trials by K.S. Marsden is the first book in the Northern Witch series. The Winter Solstice is a long held tradition for Mark's family, especially since his Nanna happens to be the town witch. When his Nanna decides it's time he learns about his witch heritage, Mark has a choice to make: to learn witchcraft or to continue on as before. His first lesson is studying the auras of his classmates. When he sees the stained aura of the mysterious new student, Damian, he knows something is wrong even if his Nanna doesn't seem to believe him. As Mark grows closer to Damian, he begins to understand what being a witch really means.

Mark is a teenager so he's dealing with high school life where he's always stood out for being one of the only gay students and for having a grandma that's a witch. His Nanna shines as an eccentric witch who's also feisty and loving, completely confident in who she is and fully embracing what makes her different. She has a zany personality and wants nothing more than to carry on her witch heritage through her grandson. The strongest connection with both of these characters is how they embrace who they are and they don't care what anyone else thinks. They're a contrast to Damian, who is a bit reserved and feels out of place, but they also provide him with a safe place. The budding romance between Mark and Damian is sweet and innocent, capturing the light feeling of first love.

The town has a homely quality to it where everyone knows each other. Even the spells are realistic and down to earth, a mix of lighthearted and meaningful. The spells represent both tradition and a new beginning for Mark who is embarking on a journey of discovery. Christmas and winter act as a backdrop throughout, revolving around the Solstice which gives the story a mystical feeling. K.S. Marsden has a delightful writing style with laid back and witty humor befitting the grounded tone of the world. Winter Trials is a quick read with Marsden packing in plenty of charm and heart that you'll immediately fall in love with.

From the Author

Northern Witch Series
    • Winter Trials ~ free to download
    • Awaken
    • The Breaking
    • Summer Sin
    • A Dark Fate
    • All Things End
    Northern Witch Series Boxset ~ free on Kindle Unlimited

    Product details

    • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N1G68SX
    • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
    • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 16, 2016
    • Language ‏ : ‎ English
    • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
    • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
    • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
    • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
    • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • Print length ‏ : ‎ 121 pages
    • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
    • Book 1 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Northern Witch
    • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
    • Customer Reviews:
      4.1 out of 5 stars 449 ratings

    About the author

    Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
    K S Marsden

    K S Marsden

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Kelly S. Marsden grew up in Yorkshire, and there were two constants in her life - books and horses.

    Graduating with an equine degree from Aberystwyth University, she has spent most of her life since trying to experience everything the horse world has to offer. She is currently settled into a Nutritionist role for a horse feed company in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

    Her first book, The Shadow Rises, was published in January 2013, and she now has several successful series under her belt.

    www.ksmarsden.com

    Customer reviews

    4.1 out of 5 stars
    449 global ratings

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    Customers say

    Customers find this book to be a quick, enjoyable read with a wonderful story that's packed with detail and good flow. The characters are rich and well-developed, and the writing is well-crafted, with one customer noting the author's use of British spelling and slang. The book receives positive feedback for its realism, with one review mentioning how scenes are spelled out with precision, and customers consider it a great start to the series.

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    ReadabilityStory qualityCharacter developmentWriting qualityRealismSeries startHeartwarmingPacing
    27 customers mention "Readability"27 positive0 negative

    Customers find the book enjoyable and easy to read, describing it as a quick read that increases the fun for the reader.

    "...Even with its faults, it’s worth the read. Even if only for the laughs that nanna provides...." Read more

    "...'s sake helps make everything seem more "real" and increases the fun for the reader. At least, for this reader...." Read more

    "This was actually a really good book. I enjoyed the characters immensely. The main char HHacter's grandma was a riot ,M in I loved her...." Read more

    "It is a good read, no doubt, with its interesting theme of a youngster exploring his legacy of magic...." Read more

    26 customers mention "Story quality"26 positive0 negative

    Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as wonderful with good flow and packed with detail. One customer specifically mentions it as a great magical coming-of-age fantasy tale.

    "...It may have been a bit of a technical miss in my opinion but it’s a great story and I can see people thoroughly enjoying this series." Read more

    "...It's a novella, but the characters are all well-developed and interesting...." Read more

    "...This is a YA story, so there is not much more than a little kissing. There is some serious drama, but it isn't resolved in this book...." Read more

    "It is a good read, no doubt, with its interesting theme of a youngster exploring his legacy of magic...." Read more

    15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them rich and well-developed, with one customer noting their three-dimensional nature.

    "...The characters are three-dimensional and the dialogue flows. I could easily picture myself in the room with them...." Read more

    "...I was definitely enjoying it for a while. The characters got short yet informative intros, so it was easy to know who everyone was...." Read more

    "...The characters and plot are interesting. There is a lot of potential - enough that I have picked up the continuing chapters of the story...." Read more

    "...It's a novella, but the characters are all well-developed and interesting...." Read more

    9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting the author's use of British spelling and slang.

    "First off, let me say I love this book. I found it to be very well written and edited which is a beautiful thing as it becomes increasingly rare...." Read more

    "...I also appreciate the fact that the author used British spelling and slang for a story set in the UK...." Read more

    "...Will I read another book by this author? Yes. I enjoyed the author's voice and by the end of the second chapter I'd decided to try her novel." Read more

    "...It includes realism. The herbs described, the stones, the spell descriptions, the sabbat explanations and even the description of how the power is..." Read more

    6 customers mention "Realism"6 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the realism of the book, with one mentioning the vivid imagery and another noting how the scenes are spelled out with precision.

    "...I could easily picture myself in the room with them...." Read more

    "...It includes realism...." Read more

    "...realistic and manged to convey it to the reader with ease and vivid imagery...." Read more

    "...The scenes are spelled out with precision, albeit the tale ends adequately, the real issue remains needing resolution." Read more

    6 customers mention "Series start"6 positive0 negative

    Customers enjoy this book as a great start to the series.

    "I love reading this book it was a great start to a new series. I am so wanting to read the next book right now it was the good of a book to read...." Read more

    "...I will definitely be continuing the series! The series is well underway, but I read this novella as an ARC from BookSirens." Read more

    "Winter Trials is an entertaining quick read, and a great start to the series...." Read more

    "I nice short read and a great series starter. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to see what the fallout will be." Read more

    3 customers mention "Heartwarming"3 positive0 negative

    Customers find the book heartwarming, with one customer comparing it to "The Last Keepers" and another describing it as riveting.

    "...rushed with the character development and plot, it had the feel of "The Last Keepers," which I also enjoy for the same reasons as this...." Read more

    "...than I’m used to but still packed a story with much detail and heart to it. Definitely worth the read." Read more

    "Riveting. 💖💖..." Read more

    3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one mentioning its dangerous elements.

    "...It’s a sweet and spooky short story, with a lot of content – action, danger, and romance!..." Read more

    "...The story was intriguing, and I loved Mark's Nanna. There is action, danger, and a blossoming romance. I hope there is more to come in this story...." Read more

    "...It’s a well written teen romance Filled with action, danger and a little sweet romance...." Read more

    Top reviews from the United States

    • Shaiha
      5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic start to a new series
      Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2024
      Verified Purchase
      First off, let me say I love this book. I found it to be very well written and edited which is a beautiful thing as it becomes increasingly rare. The characters are three-dimensional and the dialogue flows. I could easily picture myself in the room with them.

      I think what really impressed me is that main character, Mark, and the fact that he is a gay man. I read a lot of witchy fiction yet this is the first time I have ran across the male witch or at least one that I could easily picture guesting at my own coven. So kudos to the Author for writing such a real character!

      If I have any complaints about this book, it would simply be that it wasn’t long enough. I definitely want more and will be picking up the next book fairly quickly.

      I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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    • Samuel Alexander
      4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
      Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2021
      Verified Purchase
      This story started off okay. I was definitely enjoying it for a while. The characters got short yet informative intros, so it was easy to know who everyone was. It was clear there would be fantasy elements but without the disbelief angle associated with it. Nothing like reading a book where the main characters deny that magic indeed exists for most of the book so that alone was a good point. It seemed like it was going to be a fun thing. But as the book progressed things got weird.

      Certain reactions started to pop out as odd. And a few times the author would head jump at awkward moments. I have definitely been guilty of a POV jump or two and lots of authors do it but it’s when it happens and especially if a reaction is given to a character that is only in a scene for as long as the reaction, so it takes away from paragraphs of a solid POV and stands out.

      Another thing that became apparent as the book went on is avoidance of pivotal moments. For instance, a good character-building scene when Mark’s nanna reveals something to his parents was glossed over. If the parents and the family dynamic are expected to be taken seriously every opportunity for them to interact with the main character needs to be milked. This is just one of a few times it seemed a scene just ended to go with another scene instead of the scene happening and leading into the next scene.

      Little things like how Marks friends are barely in the bulk of the story, mostly the beginning and then the end, but they don’t’ say much in the end. They’re just there during a pivotal scene so when Mark’s dad protest, unless there were plans to have them really be a part of the scene, unlikely because they have zero magical abilities, they def didn’t need to be there. Speaking of his father, the fact he decided not to take up magic in his youth is mentioned a few times but never answered so it came off as irrelevant. I was honestly waiting for a character development scene to arise from this since Mark did decide to learn but this father-son conversation never materialised.

      This might be a spoiler, but Mark did have one big reaction that seemed off. It involved a bit of blood and he had an outburst. I was legitimately thinking blood is used in some spells, surely he knows this. Why is he panicking like his Nan is going to kill his soon to be BF when they have both already explicitly expressed they are going to help him. Murder would be counterproductive.

      Damian was all sorts of awesome though. Like the best thing in this story, okay maybe almost the best. Nanna was amazeballs. Honestly, she needed more page time. As the only other two characters that got significant page time they rocked.
      Lastly, the ending spoke to how I said some things seemed to be just left there. The problem was the story had a fairly good wrap up, predictable ending and all the last scene only needed a nice rounded thought from Mark to give closure. Instead, the readers are left with an ending that is unfinished and, unfortunately, doesn’t qualify as a real cliff-hanger. If I’m coming back for part two it’s not for this thing that didn’t happen, it’s to see how the demon situation pans out. The scene following this climax, the Christmas ending, was a perfect way to segue into that giving the readers closure but also the promise of more to come. Far better than the ‘I’ve just read this whole book and completely forgot this hasn’t happened yet and now you’re teasing me with it maybe happening but still not happening’ type of ending. The main problem is based on the way this author writes I wouldn’t be surprised if the second part picks up after what was left unsaid here because, again, it definitely could’ve been left out entirely or actually happened to serve as some sort of closure. Both of which would’ve been ideal but in they style of not doing things that I’ve already mentioned no doubt this ‘thing’ will be avoided entirely.

      Overall, the story had good flow. Things happened at a nice pace and it was an easy and enjoyable read. But thinking on Mark’s relationship with his friends and his family, and the fact that even knowing this was a part one I still expected the problem in this book to be resolved in this book and something new to arise for the next instalment, this book tried to be the types of things a full novel would do and either needed to delve into all of that development or trim it out and solely focus on Mark’s POV and let them be developed through that angle. For the way in which this novel was presented, it didn’t have the page time to sell everything. It definitely read like it wanted to be a longer novel say 200 pages or so but got condensed into 121 without nipping out the stuff that needed those extra pages.

      All my issues aside, for its genre this story did hit most of the points it should have. Even with its faults, it’s worth the read. Even if only for the laughs that nanna provides. I mean who wouldn’t be on board with checking out hunky farriers. I’m def here for that lol. Even with the above flaws, I was still very into this however the ending did make me consider dropping the rating, but it still gets four stars from me. It may have been a bit of a technical miss in my opinion but it’s a great story and I can see people thoroughly enjoying this series.
      4 people found this helpful
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    • Mr Toad
      3.0 out of 5 stars Frustrating but has potential
      Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2021
      Verified Purchase
      This is not a book in and of itself. It is part one of a story that encompasses four books. None of the four can be read without reading the other three. Each individual portion is a little on the short side - which makes it all the more curious why it was broken up into four sections.

      The characters and plot are interesting. There is a lot of potential - enough that I have picked up the continuing chapters of the story. The challenge is that the dialog and characters' choices often feel dicated by an outline rather than the characters themselves. As the individual "books" are so short it seems like there is room for the characters to breathe a bit more than they do at present. It feels like it needs a rewrite where the dialog has time to play a bit outside of pure exposition. Our hero keeps getting in "trouble" even though there is not enough reason for the adult's anger to be warranted. He is in trouble because the author has decided it, not because the circumstances in the story make sense. Lots of potential and good ideas. And I have chosen to stick with it (thus three stars instead of two) - I am in "book" three at present as I'd like to see where it goes. But I struggle to continue to "book" four as it feels more contrived than organic.
      2 people found this helpful
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    • Over The Rainbow
      5.0 out of 5 stars Well-Written and Fun
      Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2021
      Verified Purchase
      Most kids face changes as their time in school approaches an end, but the changes Mark faces are more than most people have to deal with. But with good friends and a loving family, he might just find the right path for himself.

      I first decided to read this story because some bigot had posted a bad review since the two main characters are gay. Despite the fact that this story is clearly marked as LBGT fiction. But I found myself really being drawn into the story. It's a novella, but the characters are all well-developed and interesting. I also appreciate the fact that the author used British spelling and slang for a story set in the UK. Bucking the trend to "Americanize" British stories for marketability's sake helps make everything seem more "real" and increases the fun for the reader. At least, for this reader. Overall, five stars, and I'll be reading the rest of the series as well.
      4 people found this helpful
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    • acpatrick
      4.0 out of 5 stars A Witch in Training
      Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
      Verified Purchase
      Mark's nan was a witch and was starting his training in the family tradition. When he met the new guy at school, he had no idea where things would lead. This is a YA story, so there is not much more than a little kissing. There is some serious drama, but it isn't resolved in this book. Not a cliffhanger, but you need to continue to the next book. The story takes place in Yorkshire, and there are some terms that will not be familiar to American readers, but you can figure out most of them.
      Helpful
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    • BooksRlife
      5.0 out of 5 stars Scary fun
      Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2024
      Verified Purchase
      This was actually a really good book. I enjoyed the characters immensely. The main char HHacter's grandma was a riot ,M in I loved her. I'm really excited to read the next book in this series. So I'm going to end this review and do that!
      Helpful
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    Top reviews from other countries

    Translate all reviews to English
    • Susi
      3.0 out of 5 stars Schwul, Teenager, USA, Hexen, Dämonen...
      Reviewed in Germany on January 12, 2017
      Verified Purchase
      ... wäre eine Kurzfassung - sehr kurze Fassung - des Buches.
      Winter Trials soll oder ist wohl der Einstieg in eine Serie von Büchern der Autorin sein (irgendwo gelesen), auch der Schluss lässt vermuten, dass da noch etwas kommt, weil das nich das Ende sein kann...

      Ein schwuler Teenager hat eine Oma, die Hexe ist und auch wird in die Hexenkunst eingeführt - wie praktisch, dass da ein Neuer an der Schule ist, der zufällig auch schwul ist und die Hilfe von einer Hexe bzw. Hexer benötigt ... natürlich geht alles schief - bis auf die liebliche Teenager-Romanze und der Schluss lässt so ziemlich alles offen - ach ja, es gibt noch die beiden Freunde des Protagonisten respektive Hexers - Mädel und Bub, die natürlich auch ein Pärchen sind....

      Bissi zu viel von allem: Teenager, Schwul, Hexen, Dämonen - vielleicht kommt dann später mal auch noch ein Vampir ... alles, was sich verkauft in einem Buch - zu viel. Aber gut geschrieben!
      Report
    • Su
      5.0 out of 5 stars #NannaIsAwesome I simply love this witchy tale set in Yorkshire in the coldest of winters
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2018
      Verified Purchase
      Already own this and several other books by this wonderful author but we simply had to have a copy of this with the sparkly new boo cover A~MAZ~ING! Really sums up this short magical YA read. It's FREE so what are you waiting for give it a try.

      ~~~~~~~~
      I re-read this mainly to remind myself of the back story before dipping into the other books in the Northern Witch Series.

      Oh and series it most certainly is, if you are looking for a little standalone read then this is probably not for you as the story hooks you in and before you know it you are praying for the next book to come along.

      Mark is no ordinary teenager, for a start he is one of two openly gay guys at school. But that is not all, he has a Nanna that the whole village knows to be a witch. She is not just any witch but the Grand High Witch. Nanna has got to be my favourite character of all hence the hashtag #NannaIsAwesome.

      Being a Yorkshire lass myself I know how cold the weather can get there unlike the new guy at school Damian who really is not geared up to his new life having been pampered in the great city of London. As the boys lives entwine the story becomes more interesting what with Mark becoming a witch in training and Damian surrounded by a strange aura. The Winter Solstice is just around the corner and this year Nanna tells Mark to invite his school friends along so expect the unexpected.

      A great read highly recommended.
      Customer image
      Su
      5.0 out of 5 stars
      #NannaIsAwesome I simply love this witchy tale set in Yorkshire in the coldest of winters

      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2018
      Already own this and several other books by this wonderful author but we simply had to have a copy of this with the sparkly new boo cover A~MAZ~ING! Really sums up this short magical YA read. It's FREE so what are you waiting for give it a try.

      ~~~~~~~~
      I re-read this mainly to remind myself of the back story before dipping into the other books in the Northern Witch Series.

      Oh and series it most certainly is, if you are looking for a little standalone read then this is probably not for you as the story hooks you in and before you know it you are praying for the next book to come along.

      Mark is no ordinary teenager, for a start he is one of two openly gay guys at school. But that is not all, he has a Nanna that the whole village knows to be a witch. She is not just any witch but the Grand High Witch. Nanna has got to be my favourite character of all hence the hashtag #NannaIsAwesome.

      Being a Yorkshire lass myself I know how cold the weather can get there unlike the new guy at school Damian who really is not geared up to his new life having been pampered in the great city of London. As the boys lives entwine the story becomes more interesting what with Mark becoming a witch in training and Damian surrounded by a strange aura. The Winter Solstice is just around the corner and this year Nanna tells Mark to invite his school friends along so expect the unexpected.

      A great read highly recommended.
      Images in this review
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    • Carol 27
      4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting and entertaining beginning …
      Reviewed in Canada on August 9, 2019
      Verified Purchase
      As Mark embarks on a journey to learn magic from his Nanna, can he acquire the ability quickly enough to help his newest school chum Damian, who’s desperately in need of some aid. It seems Damian’s brought something more than just spiffy clothes with him from London. This is a well written, entertaining quick read with interesting and likeable characters, some humour, magic and teenage drama. I’m curious to see how the discovery at the Winter Solstice impacts everyone’s lives moving forward.
      Report
    • anonym
      2.0 out of 5 stars not my cup of tea
      Reviewed in Germany on December 1, 2024
      Verified Purchase
      The concept is intriguing, but the writing didn't resonate with me.

      There is a tendency to tell rather than show. The narrative primarily follows Mark's perspective, but it occasionally shifts to an omniscient viewpoint or other characters' perspectives without warning.

      Overall, it feels like the book only scratches the surface, and I wish it had more depth.
      Report
    • Yvonne
      4.0 out of 5 stars A Yorkshire magical story
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 17, 2019
      Verified Purchase
      If you are looking for a quick YA read to introduce you to a new series than you can’t go wrong with this story.
      Set in the Yorkshire countryside, Mark lives in a small village with his family. In his final year at school, Mark soon has other things to worry about as well as his school work. As the local witch, his Nanna wants to start teaching him his heritage. When Damien starts at his school, he soon realises how important it is to learn the family magic.
      Even though this was a short story, the characters evolve throughout the pages. When Damien starts at the school, his and Mark’s relationship slowly starts to develop and as it does you get to know more about Damien’s tragic life. Mark is a strong confident character who thanks to a strong bond with his family and best friends, have their support with whatever he chooses to do. Like other readers my favourite character was Nanna, a no-nonsense woman who stands no fools and as the High Witch is good at her magic.
      The story flows smoothly and as it slowly builds to magical battle, it reinforces the close bond between the friends.
      Moving up to Yorkshire, no one tells you about the cold weather, so I did have a giggle when Mark saw Damien shivering at the bus stop in his trendy trench coat and said. “Well, it won’t do for a Yorkshire winter. This is nowt yet. It gets worse”
      This is free on Kindle to download and book 2 Awaken is already out. Whilst this is YA, this a perfect read for anyone that likes PNR.
      Report

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