Warrior and Witch is the stunning sequel to Doppelganger.  If one hasn’t read Doppelganger, be forewarned that the very plot of Warrior and Witch is a spoiler for Doppelganger….

Mirei’s merger of her Hunter and witch halves, previously named Mirage and Miryo, has caused a great rift in the witch community.  Some, such as the Void Ray Prime Satomi, proclaim Mirei as the future when all doppelgangers and witches can be reunited as one whole person rather than the witch killing the doppelganger in order to control her magic.  Others, however, see Mirei’s very existence as an abomination and are willing to sacrifice all to destroy her.  Mirei’s strength in her newly found magic will be tested as war erupts within the witch community.   

Marie Brennan proves once again that she is a master at weaving a compelling story.  Warrior and Witch is a thought-provoking fantasy tale populated with characters who are neither wholly good nor evil but are instead placed in tough situations in which there are no easy answers.  The philosophical debate over the splitting of the two halves of the soul also explodes in this sequel but the storyline is not bogged down in this but rather enhanced by it.  The action and the metaphysical aspects are cleverly interwoven and unfold gradually through Ms. Brennan’s beautiful prose. 

Warrior and Witch is not completely a stand alone novel.  While Marie Brennan does an excellent job at describing all that the reader needs to know in this sequel, one cannot truly appreciate the split within the witches without having experienced the struggles documented in Doppelganger.  A very helpful glossary is included at the back of the book that assists with keeping the multitude of characters and the various ruling titles of the witches straight as it could be overwhelming otherwise. 

Warrior and Witch demonstrates the heart of what good fantasy truly is meant to be.  Surpassing even her superb Doppelganger in ingenuity, Marie Brennan shows what a gift she has.  This reviewer is already eagerly anticipating what next adventure Ms. Brennan has in store for her readers.  Warrior and Witch is highly recommended and easily one of the best fantasy novels published this year!

Reviewed by Debbie

 

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