
Half Spent Was the Night
The Witches' Yuletide: Ami McKay's Witches, Book 2
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Narrated by:
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Ami McKay
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By:
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Ami McKay
About this listen
Beloved author Ami McKay is back, bringing us a magical follow-up in the tradition of Victorian winter tales to her mesmerizing bestseller, The Witches of New York.
During the nights between Christmas and New Year's, the witches of New York--Adelaide Thom, Eleanor St. Clair and the youngest, Beatrice Dunn--gather before the fire to tell ghost stories and perform traditional Yuletide divinations. (Did you know that roasting chestnuts was once used to foretell one's fate?)
As the witches roast chestnuts and melt lead to see their fate, a series of odd messengers land on their doorstep bearing invitations for a New Year's Eve masquerade hosted by a woman they've never met. Gossip, dreams and portents follow, leading the witches to question the woman's motives. Is she as benevolent as she seems or is she laying a trap? And so, as Gilded-Age New York prepares to ring in the new year, the witches don their finery and head for the ball, on the hunt for answers that might well be the end of them.
©2018 Ami McKay (P)2018 Knopf CanadaListeners also enjoyed...
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A feast for the mind and imagination
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Critic reviews
“The sequel to Ami McKay’s The Witches of New York is worth the wait.” (Parents Canada)
“A Christmas ghost story is a tradition that hearkens back to pagan times and earlier. McKay’s sweet little book about three witches makes a lovely stocking stuffer.” (Deborah Dundas, The Hamilton Spectator)
What listeners say about Half Spent Was the Night
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- tommy
- 12-27-19
Half Finished Was the Story
Overall, this was a nice little follow up to The Witches of New York, which I loved. The story just felt too rushed, so much so that it should have been panned out to make another full book. It was great to hear more of the three witches, though.
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Overall
- Lovely Sa
- 09-15-19
Too short...
the story was a beautiful one, but I wanted to hear more adventure of these three ladies. I would have given five stars, but it was too short. I loved Witches of New York, and was delighted to see another story about the trio. it was lovely, but too short.
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- PSC
- 04-29-22
Nice little addition to "Witches" but not enough
Appreciated revisiting these characters and this was an enjoyable short story, but I would like a full sequel to the original. I like these women and want to return to this world.
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- Kara
- 05-03-24
A good stopping point for the story
Loved the extension of the Witches of NY story. Strong imagery - could easily imagine the sights and sounds. Wishing I had a savvy Raven by my side in life!
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- Secretly sweet
- 12-26-19
Prelude to the next book leaves me . . .
hanging in there . . . waiting for the next book. I really enjoyed these characters and want more!
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- Courtney
- 04-18-21
A quick summary wrap up
I loved the witches of New York, so naturally I came looking for a sequel. The story was short and precise wrapping everything up very quickly. I found it interesting since the story held so much potential for more. I’m wondering if she wrote the short story to appease readers requests for more? I’m sad that this wasn’t more developed. I wish she’d developed the relationships more thoroughly and enhanced the conflict. Instead it all came to an end too quick, and easy in my opinion.
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- Jamye Mort
- 01-11-22
10/10
perfect way to wrap up lose ends.
was wonder at the end of book 1 what happened to certain individuals.
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- Alicia Castro
- 04-14-19
I want more...
I loved Witches of New York and this follow-up novella was perfection except that now I am craving more. I really hope this isn’t the last time Ami McKay visits these characters. It was delightful, but I want a proper sequel not a mere hour and a half tease...
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8 people found this helpful
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- Shawna & D'Arcy
- 01-31-19
Great Book About Empowering Women
I wish it we're longer. the story was great, the ladies fantastic. I just wish it answered a few questions. it feel like it stopped in the middle of the story.
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- sarah
- 06-19-24
a wrap up that leaves us hoping?
As I was about to finish "Witches of New York", I was excited to find that there was another chapter! in my haste to listen, I didn't notice how short it was. Although the story was wrapped up nicely enough, I can't help but feel that so much could have been done. I would have rather had a longer book, or a full sequel. All this novella did for me, was leave me wanting a little more, especially due to it's length.
I see so much character development potential! So, until my hopes are dashed, I will hope for another book revolving around these characters!
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