I love relaxing with a good book and fantasy fiction is my absolute favourite genre, so discovering a new novel or series is always a treat for me. Recently I received the young adult fantasy novel Broken Circle: Yarns of the Knitting Witches to review and it sounded like the type of intriguing read that just might capture my attention. Here’s a brief synopsis:
The Broken Circle is the first book in the Potluck Yarn trilogy by Cheryl Potter. Combining Fantasy with fiber, and including patterns to guide young readers in making the magical garments worn by the characters, Potter spins a tale redolent with magic and layered with themes of friendship, loyalty, good vs. evil, the value of natural resources, the meaning and texture of courage, and even mortality. Follow the twelve knitting witches through adventures fraught with mayhem and mischief and knit your way through 21 patters as the Potluck witches seek to save their world. Twenty Years have passed since the fire beneath the great dyepot was lit and the circle was complete. Now, the folk of the Middlelands face a danger worse than any can remember. Darkness and chaos threaten to destroy the delicate balance of the natural world, and the magic of the dye crystals that have always been a way of life and a great source of power for the people has been outlawed. Readers age 11 and up will find themselves engrossed by this fanciful cross-over tale of magic and mayhem.
I can be a little picky about what I consider good fantasy fiction so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this young adult novel. The first few chapters of the book dragged a bit as characters were introduced and the backstory was revealed, but soon I was caught up in the story of the twelve witches, their magic talents and the one witch that had stolen power for herself and started a war. The magic in the book is subtly captivating and revolves around crystals from sacred mountains and the witches’ ability to use those crystals both to knit magic garments and to read the future.
One of the things that made this book so much fun was the fact that every chapter ended with a brief description of one of the magical garments of clothing featured in the story and information on where to buy the pattern online. Knitting is one of my favourite relaxations especially in the slow winter months and I can’t wait to try out some of the beginner patterns for myself!
I didn’t realize until close to the end of the book that it was the first in a trilogy, but now that I’ve finished Broken Circle, I can’t wait to read the rest of the books and see how the story unfolds. With a land in turmoil, a dark queen reining, ancient creatures awakening and only the power of nine old women and two young girls holding back the end of the world, it’s a story that I am sure is going to get better and better.
Broken Circle: Yarns of the Knitting Witches was a great entertaining read and the perfect way to relax and unwind after a busy week of work. Any woman, young or old, that loves fantasy stories, engaging characters or even just knitting is sure to love this new series from Cheryl Potter. While your head is in another land, your hands will be reaching for those knitting needles!
Kathryn – thank you so much for the wonderful and thorough review! I love that you were captivated by the witches and are excited for the next book! The Knitting Witches have definitely got a challenge ahead of them, don’t they? I hope you do get a chance to knit some of the garments in the book! I find that the Potluck Hats are some of the favorites for knitters to create! Let me know if you make something – I’d love to see it!
All my best,
Cheryl
Thanks so much for stopping by, Cheryl; I’m so glad you enjoyed the review! I’m just a beginning knitter so I’m excited that the Potluck Hats are suitable for beginners. I’ll have to give them a try while I’m waiting to learn how the witches react to the appearance of the dark queen! :)
I don’t know how to knit but just learned to crochet. Everyone in my house has new slippers, lol – It’s a bit addicting. Thank you again for the review, I added her to my Amazon wishlist!
Oh I want to learn how to crochet so bad! Someday! :) So glad you liked the review!
Your review caught me by the name, lol. I just thought it was a great name. This may be for young adults but it appeals to me! lol – Great review, “I’m hooked”
It appealed to me too, Mary! :) It’s really a great book for all ages and especially for anyone that knits; such a fun concept for a novel!