Season of the Witch [Hardcover]

In "Season of the Witch", Natasha Mostert writes a satisfying intellectual novel that entertains the reader on multi-levels. Combining a knowledge of computer technology, the occult and psychology, she weaves a story that teases the "seeker" in all of us while transforming a could-have-been mundane tale of two erotic witches and their boy-toys into an interesting peek at the age-old quest for ultimate gnosis.

Mostert's characters are ripe with the usual heroic attributes: good looks, charisma, and extraordinary sensory skills. Accomplished and hubristic, Gabriel, the lead player, makes his living as an information thief. Prowling the streets of London like a modern day Artful Dodger, he pick-pockets bits and bytes of cyberspace with wireless devices and sells them off to the highest corporate bidders. As a one-time "remote viewer" (a natural talent that enables one to "see" with the mind of another) he is contacted by Frankie, his former lover, to "slam a ride" into the mind of Robbie, her missing stepson, to discover his whereabouts. Minnaloushe and Morrighan Monk, two sisters that Gabriel senses during his ride, are not only beautiful and brilliant; they have developed an intricate memory palace (shades of Hannibal Lector) where they can hone their arcane skills as solar witches. Together, the three forge a fascinating trio; all are willing to give their all to maximize their innate skills while feeding their private desires.

From the start, Gabriel knows that one of the beautiful Monks has done away with Frankie's stepson. However, he finds that he is in love with the unknown writer of a highly imaginative digital diary that he is able to clandestinely glimpse at using his skills as a computer hacker. As with all heroes, Gabriel's focus shifts from his completing his mission to his fulfilling his personal wishes. And as most stories go, his weakness causes great inimitable pain. Like any coming of age journey, a trial by fire ensues, eventually tempering Gabriel's arrogance and allowing him to pursue the ultimate truth.

Although the plotline moves along at just the right pace and the conclusion is both compelling and satisfying, I found the beauty of this novel to lie in the information that Mostert so lovingly introduces to the reader. The complicated ideas of gnosis, alchemy and memory palaces tantalize; I, for one, will look into Mostert's recommendation to read "The Art of Memory" by Yates and "The Zelator" by Mark Hedsel. In addition, her comments regarding modern man's inability to internalize knowledge because of the accessibility of data via the Internet and other formats fascinate. Understanding that without a trained memory with "muscle," the truly inspired creative ideas that lead to a greater understanding of the universe will never conceptualize (one cannot link concepts together if they have been forgotten and not residing in memory), Mostert predicts a dire destiny for mankind in terms of its overall progression.

Bottom line? In terms of plot, I have subtracted one star for Mostert's rather obvious red herring device to steer the reader away from uncovering the identity of the actual murderess. Otherwise, I found this modern tale of witchcraft and seeking stimulating. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes something reminiscent of Elizabeth Hand's cult classic, "Waking the Moon." The melding of the ancient mysteries with the magic of today's technology entertains well, providing for a ride that slams as well as jams.

Diana Faillace Von Behren

reneofc

"Season of the Witch" delves into several complex issues--memory, magic, parapsychology.... but maintains its readability in the face of the accurate, quite detailed information it exposes the reader to. In other words it does not get "bogged down" when explaining the necessary background facts and history the reader may not be familiar with.

Gabriel--an electronic scam artist--is asked to investigate the disappearance of an old flame's stepson. It is soon apparent to Gabriel that the sisters Monk, the deceased's friends, are somehow involved in his murder. But all Gabriel's original reasons for meeting the sisters are thrown aside as they become thicker and thicker friends.

I've been searching for a book with a "sexy" feel to it for a long time, and this has been the first one to hit the mark--it has enough suggestion in it without any of the downsides you thought of when you saw the word "sexy". The sisters are enticingly but not overtly creepy, and never failed to send a frisson down my spine or make my blood rush. The closest comparison that can be drawn has in fact been quoted in the book itself--the vampires that seduce Harker in Bram Stoker's Dracula.

The intrigue is sustained throughout most of the book--partly through Gabriel's past traumas only being hinted at, partly due to the inclusion of the occasional pre-chapter diary entry by a mysterious woman. I found these entries to be the most intriguing parts of the book, but unfortunately after a certain event they become part of the narrative. Although I can see why this was done, I've yet to be convinced it was for the best.

At that point the focus of the tension switches from intrigue-based to situation-based. It's still reasonably effective, although I have a preference for intrigue and psychological tension than event-based terror. Perhaps that is why the conclusion felt slightly anti-climactic.

Despite the minor complaints, I still derived a lot of enjoyment from "Season of the Witch" and it is by no means a badly written book--au contraire.

This book could only be described as superb!
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
The concept of a remote viewer not having any esoteric belief or knowledge
was difficult to understand at first, but it fitted perfectly with the storyline, as did all the twists and turns within.
excellent craft!