Narelle M. Harris, Witch Faith

Witch Faith

Narelle M. Harris

Five Star, February 2007, $25.95

ISBN: 1594144680

A millennium ago, a colony ship landed on the planet, and after a time, some of the passengers were able to perform magic. A religious schism divided the colonists into two groups: the Leylites who worship the Earth-mother and revere the witches, and the Priests of the Arc, who worship the First King and his Lords (the pilot and his crew). When a civil war broke out, it was in large part due to the King regaining his throne after the coup. Magda, the leader of the witches, who was a Sol Fleet doctor before she crashed on the planet, combines her medical skill with magic.

The witches are talented and cherished in Tyne, but many people also fear them. The nation of Marin Kuta bans witches and closed its borders so none can enter. When it is learned that a space craft landed there, Magda and her three witch companions journey into Tyne, because her friends need advanced medical attention that she cannot provide. The closer they get to their destination, the deadlier the anti witch fervor is. Magda knows she must persuade the ship's captain that magic is real, and also end the schism that hurts everyone.

Readers who enjoy the "Warlock Who ..." tales will appreciate this fine science fiction fantasy. Magda becomes the bridge between the two approved religions, as her medical skill and her magic abilities enable her to keep a foot in both worlds. Narelle M. Harris is a strong world builder, who provides intricate details on religion and culture, in a feudal system that came about in order to survive. The divisiveness of the crew and the splinter between the two prime groups leads to a powerful, sometimes violent fantasy thriller with sci fi overtones.