A water witch, Isabelle Novak has always led a chaotic, nomadic existence. But her life spins out of control when her sister--her only friend and emotional anchor--is killed by a demon. Driven by grief and a desire for revenge, she turns her back on the Coven and its sacred rede: Harm ye none... Witch Blood, by Anya Bast, is the second novel in the Elemental Witches series. Isabelle Novak, a tenacious and independent water witch, is tormented over the sudden death of her sister, Angela, who was murdered savagely by a powerful, cannibalistic demon from another world over 25 years ago. The demon was summoned by the Duskoff International, an organization of evil warlocks who had broken away from the Coven. Since she fails to capture the demon, Isabelle seeks the rich and handsome Duskoff leader -- Stefan Faucheux -- as the next best alternative for her revenge.
Although her attempt to interrogate and mutilate Stefan didn't proceed as planned, Thomas Monahan, a very powerful earth witch and leader of the Coven, persuades her to stay with the organization in Chicago so that they could investigate and defeat the demon together. They learn from the imprisoned Stefan that the demon is murdering witches so that he can conduct a ritual to return home. More witches are dying and slaughtered in the most gruesome ways. It becomes apparent that the demon is selecting individual witches with certain qualities to successfully open the demongate.
Thomas also becomes more irresistable to Isabelle. He has a very stern, no-nonsense personality, but he gradually becomes attracted to Isabelle's emotionally volatile and wild side. Water and earth are natural attractions. Their passions explode and become one sexually. They also work well together. Could this actually be love? All her life she escaped failed relationships, (including her absentee mother) to pursue her own independent lifestyle as a travel writer. She tries to resist these feelings initially, but she learns to gain his trust every day. Thomas vows to win her heart and protect her at all costs. When Isabelle learns the demon wants to steal her life, she has a decision to make: Should Isabelle fight to save everyone she cares for even if it means sacrificing her own life?
Witch Blood resumes where the first novel ends. She mentions previous characters (Jack McAllister, Mira, Stefan Faucheux) who have very minor roles (only a few lines spoken and never heard from again). Thomas Monahan has a much larger role in this novel. When I first started this series, the sexual imagery actually turned me off because I am the type of person who enjoys quality content and not filler. I have become more accustomed to the sex scenes as I try to explore my own sexual desires (sorry Jack and Mira!). In fact, Bast's writing continues to improve. Some readers may find the ending disappointing. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this series.
This story focuses on the life of Isabelle Novak. She fears getting close to men and would rather leave unannounced because the past torments her. In addition, she learns to forgive and make amends with her imperfect mother, whom Isabelle shares many of her personality traits. Isabelle, in my opinion, is a free spirit; she can be stubborn, spontaneous, and unconventional. However, she gradually becomes attached to Thomas, her soulmate who eases her fears. In the novel, water and earth witches are natural attractions. Isabelle also undergoes changes as she learns to cope with her difficult past and do what is best for herself. She learns to stop running away from difficult life decisions. Her encounter with the demon makes her a better person: she works as a team player and has a loving relationship with Thomas.
Stay tuned for the next review in the Elemental Witches series, Witch Heart.
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