Rating: 
Summary: The go'od gets bet'ter.
Review: Despite the still frustrating inclusion of the over-used apostrohpes, Clemens kicks his "Banned and Banished" series into high gear with this second book. "Wit'ch Storm," returns us to Elena and her companions, and shows them coming up against some of the first, and deeply evil, minions of the Dark Heart.Elena's powers are more thouroughly explored and developed in this sequel, and further, the supporting characters often get time of their own in this book. A few new characters make an appearance, and you get much more backstory to the evil Dark Heart and his minions, the ill'guard. If you enjoyed George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, or Lyn Flewelling, I'd really suggest you give this series a try. It's very well written, has a stirring plot, and if you can manage to ignore those awful apostrophes, a worthy read. The magic is very unique, written in a way different from any other fantasy story I've read, and that fresh approach to magic is a rare treat.
Rating: 
Summary: The Fantasy Epic of a Lifetime
Review: For all those interested in a true epic of fantasical proportions and characters, here is the book/series for you. Wit'ch Storm, like it's predecessor, Wit'ch Fire, is full of rich language, characters, and plots. There is never a slow moment in this story as each event draws the reader further into the story and the plight of the characters. In fact, each page seems to leave the reader hungry for the next, creating an insaitable desire to find out what's going to happen next. I know I found myself caught between wanting to speed through the book to learn what would next befall Elena, her companions, and the new characters introduced and wanting to read each page slowly, to savor the flavor of Clemen's language and amazingly artistic story teller. This book, the one before, and I suspect the upcoming new release are truly for the reader of any nature. The lovers of literary fiction will find the language compelling, akin to may writers of the classical genre. Fantasy lovers will want to read this book for it's plot and characters steeped in magick and wonder as well as a history that is so lavishly created, it keeps one wondering what new revelations will come from the stories ancient past. Those who seek adventure will love this story for it's intense action scenes that leave one short of breath with their heart pounding in their ears. There is even something for the romance lovers. Clemens' has so well written his book that one is actually able to feel the emotions the characters must be feeling. The only bad thing about reading this book is when you hit the final page and realize there is nothing left until the next book.
Rating: 
Summary: Kind of a dissapointing sequel
Review: For some reason I didn't like this half as much as the first one. There seemed to be a heck of a lot more cliches, or at least cliches that weren't as entertainingly freshened and twisted as in "Wit'ch's Fire." I just couldn't connect as well with some of the newer characters too. (Although the brothers and their Sacrament was a wonderfully disturbing image.)
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Sequel
Review: Fresh after finishing Wit'ch Fire, I picked up Wit'ch Storm, expecting a continuation of the fun and wild ride to continue. And because of the surprises, both in plot and writing of the first book, I expected the second book to be even better. As I started reading, though, the seeds of disappoint began to grow. The opening picks up a few months after the first novel ends, as the main characters recuperated from their adventures and plan the next stage in their journey. Once they leave the safety of the mountains, the next hundred pages are drug out too long fighting the bad guys in a battle that is exciting at first, but quickly loses its tension. I began to wonder if Clemens had panicked and stuck with action to disguise his fear of failure with the second novel. And while action and adventure is a major part of any fantasy story, constant battling can desensitize the reader. But just before the seeds of disappointed grew into full bloom, Clemens changes gears, almost as if he himself knew the reader would be begging for a change at this point. The story shifts to a different part of the world and introduces all new characters. Clemens, though, quickly establishes that in some manner currently unknown to the reader, destiny has linked these characters to Elena and her rag-tag party. This portion of the book offers a fresh, exciting look at a different aspect of the universe Clemens created. Set within the seas of Alasea, the reader is introduced to Sy-wen and her mother's seadragon, both viewed by the land dwellers as creatures of myth. Then once the reader has become attached to these new host of characters, Clemens jumps back to the first group as they enter the city of Shadowbrook, where the real events of the second stage of their journey begins. Clemens also brings in a few new characters, particularly a mysterious woman with ties to both Elena and Tol'chuk. This mysterious woman then leads Er'ril and Elena on a journey to the Swamps and Drowned Lake to confront another wit'ch who has cast a spell on Elena that prevents her from using her magic. Despite the anticipated disappointment the first hundred pages nearly implants in the reader, Clemens has written a wonderfully rich sequel to the first novel of the series. He keeps the plot exciting with reasonable twists and offers the reader deeper glimpses into the world he has created. Also, with the introduction of seadragons, Clemens gives the readers a break from the apostrophe plagued names of Alasea. At first, I thought the lack of an apostrophe in the word 'seadragon' was intentional, some way of distinguishing the ancient history of the seadragons from the more recent history of the events surrounding the plots, but then, as I played around with placing an apostrophe in the word seadragon, I realized there was no way to insert an apostrophe in the word without seriously altering the pronunciation. Therefore, with a sigh, I accepted the possibility that the apostrophe was left out, not by design, but by necessity. Clemens's writing remained as impressive with this novel as with the first, although there are still a few minor mistakes. The only major writing flaw comes near the end when Elena discovers a new aspect of her talent that directly effects the outcome of the plot. Clemens only spends three very short paragraphs on the discovery, and only one character bothers to wonder at it, while the rest seem to shrug their shoulders with unconcerned acceptance. Once again, Clemens introduces this book with a confession by the translator, with a Warning Foreword by academia. This continues the atmosphere created in the first novel, that what is being read is counter to what the current authority in Alasea wants to be believed, and that by sterilizing the text with academia requirements, that these texts will be lost in obscurity. Overall, a worthy successor to the first novel, lacks the sophomore jinx of many series, and leaves the reader clamoring for the next book set in this exciting and wondrous universe.
Rating: 
Summary: Welcome back to Alasea!
Review: I can not express how much I appreciated all the kind words and letters I received regarding my first novel, WIT'CH FIRE (Book One of the "Banned and the Banished" series from Del Rey). As a new author, it is always heartening to hear how the story has thrilled and excited new readers and fans. So it is with great pride that I introduce you to Book Two of the series, WIT'CH STORM. In this follow-up, Elena, the young witch, begins her dark journey across the tortured landscape of Alasea. Surrounded by unlikely allies, her companions will face a test by fire and blood. Some will perish, some will betray, but those who remain will be forged into a team of dire magicks and fierce hearts. While they fight their way through lands both bright and dark, more of Alasea's hidden histories will be revealed - secrets buried in swamp castles and hidden in the hearts of dragons. Tides of prophecy will draw new friends - and foes - to the girl with a fist of magick and a book of black alchemies hidden on a sunken isle. WIT'CH STORM takes the story begun in the first book and expands its scope, depth, and breadth. From foggy marshes to ancient towers, from wooded plains to wind-swept coasts, Elena will seek her ultimate destiny, as the Wit'ch of Spirit and Stone (FYI, Book Two also includes a map of the lands of Alasea!) So join me once again, in a tale of heroism and treachery, adventure and suspense, as Elena takes her first steps on the long journey to bring light back to her cursed lands. Grab a sword, saddle your horse, and come along! The journey for the future starts today.
Rating:
Summary: a must for fantasy buffs or fiction
Review: I found this book at my bookstore.WOW! I'm not a fantasy reader but it looked interesting and I am not only pleased,but blown away.I'm making sure our store has the first and second and will make sure that the third is in the store as soon as it's released.DAMN good series!
Rating:
Summary: very good read, I enjoyed it
Review: I read this book from my local library, where the bulk of my reading comes from, and I must say Clemens writes one fine tale of wit'chery! O K so those silly apostrophes don't make that much sense but what the hey, this is Alasea not downtown Peoria! The best I can say is that this book was well worth reading, my only regret is coming in the middle of the trilogy, owing to my library's not have volume one. I'm currently in the thick of vol. III "Wit'ch War" and I haven't been disappointed yet! WTG Mr. Clemens, could you possilby be related to another famous Clemens, who wrote under the nom de plume Mark Twain? For those who regularly miss the answers on either "Jeopardy" or Tivial Pursuit Mark Twain was really Samuel Clemens of Hannibal MO. As a further factoid he took his pen name from the riverman's standard two fathom measure mark twain= twelve feet (two fathoms) of river depth, the minimum safety allowance.And I seem to digress quite a bit don't I?
Rating:
Summary: Continues the excitement and adventure of the first book!
Review: I read this book in one sitting. A wonderful second book inthe trilogy. I was happy to meet the new characters and enjoyed everypage. Elena does seem to need a more developed personality but she is still very young and her uncertainty then confidence is congruent with that development. I was gratified to see some strong, mature female characters added in this book. Tol'chuk is still one of my favorites. Still a trilogy with wonderful characters cast in shades of grey with action, adventure and suspense. A rich fantasy novel! I anticipate 'Witch War, the climactic conclusion, with bated breath.
Rating:
Summary: Even better than before...
Review: I waited impatiently for the arrival of this book and will have to do so again for the next volume. Clemens adds depth to his original work and surpasses his own standard. There are treasures to be found within his writing technique and style. The imagery is rich.The plot-twists are intriguing.The details are precise, concrete, and thourough. He ends up anticipating the reader's own imagination. James Clemens: You should be so ****PROUD*** of your achievement!
Rating:
Summary: Just awesome
Review: I would advise anyone who is a fan of fantasy and magic to pick up this book and the previous book. I was pleasantly surprised at the well thought out plot and characters. This book will have you cheering for the good guys and booing the bad guys. I highly recomend it.
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