The Broken Circle–Book Review & Giveaway

The Broken Circle:  Yarns of the Knitting Witches  Book One of the Potluck Yarn Trilogy by Cheryl Potter.

Synopsis: “Twenty Years have passed since the fire beneath the great dye pot 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.

 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 patterns as the Potluck witches seek to save their world.”

Whenever I am sent a book to review, I never know exactly what to expect.  Often times, the writing is a little sketchy, the story thin and the dialogue weak.  Other times, I am truly surprised and charmed when I read a book as well written as this one.  While I don’t have a degree in English literature and never overly studied the subject in school and read mainly for pure pleasure, I have read enough books over the years to know when something is well crafted and The Broken Circle is definitely well thought out, engaging and consuming.

The synopsis does not even begin to outline the charm and magic of this book.  The Author, Cheryl Potter, is a fiber artist and is best known as the founder of Cherry Tree Hill Yarn. Combining her love of yarns and knitting with her desire to write fiction, Cheryl Potter has woven a tale about knitting witches trying to save their world. 

Essentially the magic circle around the dye pot needs twelve witches to be complete and twelve there were until one decided she wanted to rule all and betrayed her friends. One was lost in the fray that followed, one went to the “dark side” and the ten witches left went their separate ways promising to come again when they were summoned by Aubergine.  Twenty years they waited while the world around then continued to grow darker and more dangerous.

One of the things I like best about this book is that each of the knitting witches are such different characters.  Not one of them is alike and they each have their own special magic that is unique to them.  Even their names are creative and unique such as Winter Wheat, Sierra Blue and Lavender Mae. I am looking forward to learning more about the witch (Tasman) that betrayed them and why as well learning more of the secrets of the First People and the role they played in history.

Sprinkled throughout the novel are descriptions of the knitting witches’ creations that are not only useful articles of wear but also integral in their magical ways.  A full coloured companion booklet of 21 patterns is also available for purchase.  Now I am not knitter myself (I have a terrible time following patterns) but even I am intrigued and would like to try out one or two of the items described in the book.

If you love to read and especially love to read stories along paranormal lines, then I would definitely suggest adding this book to your list.  I basically read the book in a week, it was that interesting.  My only sadness is that I will have to wait months to read Book Two: Secrets of the Lost Caves.

Oh and don’t let that age guideline fool you, not once while I was reading this book did I feel like I was reading a “young adult” novel.  This book really is for all ages.  My 16 year old niece is going to LOVE it.  If you’d like to learn more about Cheryl Potter, her fiber art and the Broken Circle visit http://potluckyarn.com/.  A free student workbook is also available for download.

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Zeemaid

*disclosure – I received a copy of The Broken Circle for review but received no other compensation.  The thoughts and opinions contained herein are as always my own*