Drawn to "bad girl power" from an early age, Candace Savage brings a historical and feminist perspective to witches. Savage doesn't simply report on the centuries-long witch hunts in Europe and America; she explains how such atrocities could happen and why these communities were so threatened by powerful, independent women. From France's witch burnings in the early 1600s through the current Halloween mascot of North America, Savage offers a well- researched discussion alongside an abundance of exquisite color artwork on every spread. While serious scholars may balk at her conversational tone, most readers will delight in Savage's trademark, engaging narrative (also found in Born to Be a Cowgirl). In the end, we are left with the impression that there is something so potent and threatening about a woman in her full power that she will always be seen as an object of fear and scorn. Savage predicts, "Until that unease is magically laid to rest, the witch will continue her wild ride into the future." --Gail Hudson