The Witch’s Lens

In The Witch's Lens, Luanne G. Smith tells a tale of mystery and magic set against the grim backdrop of World War I. We follow Petra Kurkova, a witch with the unique ability to capture the souls of the dead on film. She wanders the city with her camera at night, alone, as her husband has left to fight in the war. One night she is approached Josef Svoboda, who offers her a proposal: use her skills and talents to help her country on the front lines. There are more dangers than just enemy soldiers out there, and they are in desperate need of her skills. She reluctantly agrees, knowing that traveling to the front lines with Svoboda's band of witches may be her only way to track down her husband and discover his fate.

My rating for this book is 3 stars, which means I don't feel like I wasted my time, but I'm also not likely to remember it a year from now. The novel's premise initially caught my attention, but the execution falters. It's a very slow start, and it was difficult to maintain interest. The plot often feels ephemeral, lacking in any real development and failing to establish high stakes until late in the narrative. Petra's ability with the camera is introduced as a central element of her character but feels underutilized.

Despite these shortcomings, Smith's descriptions are vivid and really immerses the reader in the settings. The book also effectively sets the stage for a sequel, laying down threads that did leave me curious about what comes next. I'll probably pick up the second book when it comes out to see if it delivers on the tentative promise this ending offers, or if it falls flat.

I didn't read the blurb before starting this book and for some reason I had it in my mind that it would be a cozy, it wasn't, the story plops you right in the middle of a war complete with frozen miserable trenches and the undead. The main character is rather compelling and the group she finds herself with oddly endearing. The magic system and the world is complex and it really seems like this was a promising start to a series.

“The Witch's Lens” by Luanne G. Smith is a delightful blend of historical fiction and fantasy that deserves a solid 5/5 stars. The story is centered around Petra's unique talent for capturing souls on film during World War I, which makes for a truly engaging read from beginning to end. Although romance isn't the main focus, it adds a lovely layer of depth to the story. Smith skillfully weaves together world-building, character development, and exciting pacing, resulting in a satisfying and well-rounded conclusion.