The Ultimate Witch

by Byron Preiss
The Ultimate Witch cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Anthologies (Multi-author)
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Technical
  • ID: 2119
  • Added: 2025-10-12
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781596876781
  • Publisher: ibooks
  • Published: 2018-08-22
  • Reviews: 4

The Ultimate Witch is a haunting collection of stories that explores the legends and lore of witches and witchcraft. Featuring contributions from some of the most celebrated authors in the genre, this anthology takes readers on a journey through various eras and settings, from Dean Koontz's tale of revenge to Jane Yolen's story of sorcery in old Scotland. Each story is a unique exploration of magic and its consequences, transcending time and place to deliver a spellbinding experience. /n/n The collection is introduced by Philip José Farmer and illustrated by Lars Hokanson, adding an extra layer of depth and atmosphere to the stories. With its diverse range of narratives and eerie illustrations, The Ultimate Witch is a must-read for fans of the supernatural and the mysterious.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2023-08-23
thoughtful 4.00

The collection tackles serious themes like child abuse and trafficking with a dark and mature tone. It opens with a poignant ode to witches, setting a strong foundation for the stories that follow.

This reviewer appreciates the boldness with which the collection addresses heavy themes such as child abuse and trafficking. They find the opening ode to witches particularly striking and feel it sets a powerful tone for the rest of the stories. While some stories may not resonate as strongly, the overall collection is seen as a thoughtful exploration of witchcraft, blending contemporary issues with classic horror elements. They admire the variety and depth of the stories, even if not every piece hits the mark.

Quick quotes

    Some serious themes are treated here—child abuse, trafficking, being trans.

    And it opens with a kind of ode to witches.

    Stuff gets dark and very adult.

Goodreads · 1993-01-01
mixed 3.50

Readers appreciate the diverse range of stories but find some to be less engaging. The collection is praised for its variety and the inclusion of prominent authors.

This anthology offers a wide array of witch stories from well-known authors in the science fiction and horror genres. While some readers find certain stories less compelling, the overall collection is celebrated for its diversity and the unique perspectives each author brings. The best stories are noted for their contemporary take on witchcraft, making them thought-provoking and haunting. However, a few tales are considered tedious, which slightly balances the overall enjoyment.

Quick quotes

    A collection of witch stories by prominent names in science fiction and horror.

    The best stories deal with contemporary witchcraft and are thought-provoking.

    This collection runs the gamut from tedious to haunting.

AbeBooks · 1993-01-01
mixed 3.00

The book is noted for its range of quality, with some stories being more engaging than others. It is praised for its haunting and thought-provoking elements.

Readers have mixed feelings about this collection, as it includes stories that vary significantly in quality. Some tales are found to be tedious, while others are haunting and thought-provoking. The contemporary witchcraft stories are particularly highlighted for their depth and originality. Overall, the collection is seen as a mixed bag, but the standout stories make it worth exploring.

Quick quotes

    This collection of witch stories runs the gamut from tedious to thought-provoking to haunting.

    The best stories deal with contemporary witchcraft and are thought-provoking.

    The collection is seen as a mixed bag, but the standout stories make it worth exploring.

BookClubs.com · 1993-01-01
positive 4.00

The anthology is valued for its variety and the inclusion of renowned authors. It is considered a good read for fans of witchcraft stories.

This collection is appreciated for bringing together stories from some of the most prominent names in science fiction and horror. The variety of stories ensures that there is something for every reader, although some tales may not resonate as strongly as others. Fans of witchcraft stories will find this anthology particularly enjoyable, as it offers a range of perspectives and styles. The overall reception is positive, with readers appreciating the effort to compile such a diverse set of tales.

Quick quotes

    Gathers stories about witches by Tanith Lee, Ray Bradbury, Jane Yolen, and Karl Edward Wagner.

    A collection of witch stories by prominent names in science fiction and horror.

    The variety of stories ensures that there is something for every reader.

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