econd novella about the witches of Lychford—a child ghost appears to the vicar, but can’t communicate. She and the other witches are caught up in a scheme to break the boundaries that keep horrors from other worlds out of ours. ( )

Super fun book. I really like these characters and am looking forward to more of their stories. ( )

https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/the-lost-child-of-lychford-by-paul-cornell/

I voted for the first of this series for the BSFA Awards, and bought the next three at Gallifrey One in 2020 just before the pandemic. I really enjoyed this as well – the village of Lychford becomes the focus of dark forces seeking to destroy the world through a small local child, and the Witches of the first story need to prevent it. Humanely told, as usual with Cornell. ( )

I'm impressed, and I definitely must find myself a copy of Witches of Lychford to read. I found the cover and blurb tempting and, despite having not read Witches of Lychford (how I have missed it is the question) did I find myself quickly engrossed in this book. It's a short story, but it manages to contain a lot of action, humor and some paranormal things like an unhappy little boy apparition. Personally, I just love the love portion part of the story. It gave the story a hilarious aspect.

This may be the first Paul Cornell book I have read, but it will certainly not be the last. I've been interested in reading his Shadow Police series, but now I seriously want to get the first book! The Lost Child of Lychford was a fantastic book, and I hope to read more books about Lizzie and the rest of the gals!

I want to thank Macmillan-Tor/Forge for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review! ( )

This is the second (third?) time I’ve read this novella in the run up to Christmas; and it’s a painfully perfect Christmas tale of romance, isolation, and sacrifice.

It’s the ending that makes it for me (which I won’t discuss, because spoilers), but I also appreciate the journey - a car crash in which the reader can see what’s going on long before the witches, who are being so carefully manipulated. This is all about whether they can possibly stop it, and what price they will have to pay. It makes me cry every time, just as its sly humour and knowing asides make me laugh.

Full review ( )