Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

The adventures of Tam and Gabriel continue with more time travel, Talents, spy work, and of course, the evil Knights.

Since the gripping conclusion of Once A Witch, Tamsin Greene has been haunted by her grandmother's prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision—one so terrible that it could harm her family forever. When she discovers that her enemy, Alistair Knight, went back in time to Victorian-era New York in order to destroy her family, Tamsin is forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the nineteenth century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady's maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the advances of Liam Knight. As time runs out, both families square off in a thrilling display of magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice.

Review of previous book in series: Once a Witch


This is a great follow-up to a great book. Tamsin hasn’t changed much between stories, but her family sure has! Their reaction to her reveal of a talent is very logical and nicely presented in the frame of Tamsin’s sister, Rowena, and her wedding preparations. I love the development of Rowena and the reveal of her moral compass. It was totally believable and a nice touch that really made her a real person in my head. Tamsin’s powers develop, too, and I like how Tamsin discovers the boundaries and drawbacks to her ability while developing her own morality while using it. Gabriel is back as well, and he really turns into a boy I could like. He supports Tamsin and her quest without demanding to take over, and he’s there for her when she needs him without seeming like he’s charging to the rescue or has all the answers. I think the only characters I would have liked to see a bit more of are the villains. I never felt Alastair was fully fleshed out, and the other Knights aren’t really either in this book. Their motivation is clear, but rather flat and stereotypical. I really like the ending, though. It was bittersweet, but logical and it wrapped up the remaining mysteries nicely and in a reasonable manner. This series is highly recommended.