Reviews
"It can be difficult to find a fantasy novel or series that is unique and interesting, so I was delighted to discover the Waterspell series. The books adhere sufficiently to fantasy conventions to meet expectations but have enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and turning pages. Verek was a riveting study of a flawed hero. By the 25% mark, I was hooked and immediately went on to the next story." —EG Manetti, Spotlight
"One of my all-time favourites. The Waterspell series shines in its character development. Readers are introduced to a diverse cast of deeply human, flawed individuals shaped by their pasts—whether through jealousy, grief, or a yearning for freedom. These aren't flaws added for drama's sake, but natural consequences of their lived experiences. The changes they undergo are gradual and organic, evolving over the course of the series. If you enjoy slow-burn narratives and meaningful arcs, you'll appreciate how the story handles growth and transformation. I'd even consider this an ʻenemies-to-lovers' romance, though it takes three books for that dynamic to fully develop. Patience is key—but it's worth the wait." —Ariel The Tempest
"A lot of fantasy aims big, with epic conflicts that embroil whole planets and countless lives in the balance. How refreshing, then, to spend time with an author who can whisper as well as shout.
"The Wysard is the second book in Deborah Lightfoot's Waterspell saga, and like the previous volume, it maintains a laser focus on a small handful of characters. There is, of course, our spunky hero, a young woman known only as Carin, who seems to hail from a barely-remembered world that could very well be our own. Aiding her efforts to find herself we encounter the titular Wysard, one minute her foe, the next her friend, and one of the most intriguing individuals you're likely to encounter in the pages of any novel. Rounding out this mismatched pair is a small cast of secondary figures, including several more adepts, a mercurial woodsprite, and even a few mere humans.
"Lightfoot presents each one of these participants with depth and real emotion, though the story always returns to the elemental struggle between Carin and the Wysard. Theirs is a game of deception and doubt, filled with half-truths and double-crosses, and Carin, like the reader, is never quite sure of the Wysard's true intentions. Together they set out on a perilous quest, almost losing their lives in the process, while constantly searching out the truth hidden in each other's past. A lesser author might spell things out, paint the Wysard as good or evil, but Lightfoot knows the most compelling tales are rendered in shades of grey.
"If you're a fan of graceful prose, devilish plot twists and sophisticated mind-games, The Wysard won't disappoint. It's living proof that great fantasy can be great literature as well." —Brian Marshall
"The second book of Deborah J. Lightfoot’s Waterspell series left me enthralled by its dramatic climax and eager to read more. Nor was I to be disappointed by the third instalment, The Wisewoman. Lightfoot creates a fascinating world in this series, a world that continues to unfold and to be revealed with new detail and interest as the story develops. Likewise, the scope of Carin’s exploration expands to include strange new worlds and dimensions as she continues to grow in power and confidence. Her developing relationship with Verek is one that I followed with great interest, conditioned, as it is, by the very different circumstances that they face in this instalment. We learn much more about Carin’s past and we are introduced to an entirely new character, the wisewoman of the title, whose presence brings an entirely new dimension to the story. Lightfoot has a sure touch with regard to characterisation. Each of her characters has their own authentic and convincing voice, patterns of speech and motivations that contribute to the weaving of a most engrossing and absorbing tale. Narrative, description and speech are exceptionally well-balanced in Lightfoot’s work. As with previous books in the series, reading The Wisewoman left me very keen to read on. I am now looking forward to seeing how Lightfoot draws together the strands of her story in The Witch, the final book in this series." —Martin Dukes
"After a long and immersive journey through Deborah J. Lightfoot's Waterspell series, The Witch brings the original quartet to a profoundly satisfying close. It's the kind of ending that feels both neatly wrapped up and emotionally resonant, a testament to Lightfoot's skill at storytelling and worldbuilding. From the very beginning of this series, I've been captivated by the rich, immersive world she creates, a place where magic is fading but still alive in the hearts and struggles of a deeply human cast. This final book honors that tradition, drawing together loose threads from previous volumes with care and precision. There's a palpable sense of completeness here that gave me comfort even as I mourned leaving these characters behind." —Ariel The Tempest
"Lightfoot creates such an immersive and convincing world in her Waterspell series that I feel saddened to reach the end of it. In particular, the depth of characterisation she achieves is truly impressive, leaving me with the sense that I know the people she writes almost as well as my own family. Accordingly, it was a delight to spend more time with these characters as Lightfoot navigates a perilous way with them through fresh challenges and adventures. In particular, it was good to see all the loose strands from the previous books brought together and thoroughly addressed. There is a completeness in this series and in the journey of her characters that is very satisfying to read." —Martin Dukes
"The last fantasy I read that was memorable was by Tolkien. That was until I found the first Waterspell book in my large 'to be read' pile. I was entranced from the beginning! The world-building was amazing but the characters pulled me in. I kept immediately reading each consecutive book. I couldn't help myself. I just finished The Witch and I am satisfyingly sad. But wait … there is another!" — Lynda Key